Margot Robbie will play Barbie in a new live-action film that will be co-produced by her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment.

The news confirms rumours of Robbie's involvement, which first emerged in October 2018. The project doesn't yet have a name, release date or director.

“Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child’s journey to self-discovery," said Robbie. "Over the brand’s almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president."

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“I’m so honoured to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide," she added in a statement. "I can’t imagine better partners than Warner Bros and Mattel to bring this film to the big screen.”

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Mattel CEO and chairman Ynon Kreiz said he was "excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures and Margot Robbie to bring Barbie to life on the big screen". The film has experienced a few setbacks since inception, which have delayed the release from the planned June 2018 to 2020.

Amy Schumer had been previously scheduled to play the famed doll, but dropped out in 2017 due to "scheduling conflicts". Anne Hathaway was later linked to the role, but the rumours were without foundation.

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From: Harper's BAZAAR UK
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Ella Alexander
Ella Alexander is Harper’s Bazaar's Deputy Digital Editor. She writes across all sections, covering fashion, arts and feminism – from fashion features and shopping galleries to celebrity interviews and long-form opinion pieces. She lives in South London and has an ardent love for Keith Richards, Gary Barlow, AA Gill, George Orwell and Patti Smith (not in order). Her favourite film is The Labyrinth, mostly because of David Bowie, and she is distinguishable through her self-titled ‘Jeremy Corbyn baker boy hat’. She recently achieved relative fame after the Clooneys named their twins, Ella and Alexander, after her.