An animated Barbie feature is officially in the works from Illumination and Mattel Studios, marking the first time the doll will headline a theatrically released animated film.
The project follows the massive global success of 2023’s live-action Barbie, which grossed over $1.44 billion and earned eight Academy Award nominations and one win.
While the new film has not yet been dated and plot details remain undisclosed, sources confirm that Universal Pictures will handle its release.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, released by Warner Bros., became a global cultural event and remains the highest-grossing film in the studio’s history, as well as the most successful film ever directed by a woman.
This move comes amid broader growth at Mattel Studios, which recently unified its television and film divisions. Alongside Barbie, the studio is developing multiple toy-based adaptations, including Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and others such as UNO, Polly Pocket, and American Girl.
Illumination, the studio behind hits like Minions and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has a proven record of box office performance and will next release sequels to both franchises in 2026.
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