Margot Robbie’s Barbie smashes huge record after incredible box office success
MARGOT Robbie’s Barbie is officially Warner Bros’ highest grossing film of all time after smashing Box Office records.
The billion-pound blockbuster overtook the final Harry Potter film to clinch the record, which JK Rowling’s creation had held for 12 years.
Hollywood star Margot, 33, came up with the concept of the Mattel doll inspired movie and enlisted director Greta Gerwig to direct it – with Margot in the leading role.
Since its release last month Barbie, which also stars Ryan Gosling as Ken, has broken a huge number of film records.
Last week it overtook The Super Mario Bros film to become America’s highest grossing film of this year and earlier this month took over £1billion at the worldwide Box Office.
It is expected to overtake Super Mario globally in the coming weeks, thanks to its roaring success, with experts revealing Barbie is just £14million behind in sales from taking the record.
The film also set a new record for three-time Oscar nominated director Greta, 40, who became the first female filmmaker to command a billion-pound grossing movie.
Greta said: Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine something like this.
“I wanted to make something anarchic and wild and funny and cathartic.
“I think it was a particular ripple in the universe that allowed it to happen.
“I’m so grateful. I’m so amazed. I’m at a loss for words, really… it’s been amazing to walk around and see people in pink.”
Barbie’s clever marketing campaign, reported to have cost millions, helped draw huge numbers of crowds to cinemas in the UK.
Hundreds of people queued in London’s Leicester Square to get into the premiere of the film, which was attended by all the leading stars.
Landmarks across the capital, including the London Eye and the Oxo Tower, were turned pink to mark the occasion and Barbie-inspired merchandise was put on sale across the country.
The filmmakers also ensured success with the movie’s soundtrack, with British pop star Dua Lipa taking the No1 spot on Friday with the Barbie film song, Dance The Night.
Singers including Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj and Sam Smith were also enlisted for the soundtrack which gave the Barbie film a huge popularity boost.
The film followed Margot’s Barbie and Ryan’s Ken as they go on a journey of “self-discovery” after they get expelled from the utopia of Barbie Land.
Along with getting Greta on board, Wolf Of Wall Street actress Margot cast the film, with 13 other actresses cast as different variations of the doll.
British stars Emma Mackey, Ritu Arya and Emerald Fennell joined Irish stars Nicola Coughlan and Sharon Rooney in the role, while singer Dua appeared as a mermaid version of the popular toy.
Alongside Ryan, 42, there are also seven other Kens in the film, including British stars Ncuti and Kingsley Ben-Adir and American star Scott Evans.
As well as breaking Box Office records, Barbie is expected to get a slew of awards nominations as the year draws to a close.