Margot Robbie is not only the star of Barbie, the film adaptation of the iconic doll, but also one of its producers. And she is getting paid handsomely for her work. According to Variety, Robbie will earn about $50 million in salary and box office bonuses for her involvement in the film. This is a remarkable achievement for the 33-year-old Australian actress, who has been nominated for two Oscars and has starred in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Barbie, directed and co-written by Greta Gerwig, has been a surprise smash hit at the box office, grossing over $1.18 billion worldwide since its release on July 21. It is the second highest-grossing film ever for Warner Bros., behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, and the highest-grossing film ever by a female director, surpassing Frozen II. The film has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised its humor, heart, and message of empowerment.
Robbie produced the film through her company LuckyChap Entertainment, which she founded in 2014 with her husband Tom Ackerley and friends Josey McNamara and Sophia Kerr. The company’s mission is to tell stories that celebrate women on and off screen. Some of their previous projects include Promising Young Woman, Birds of Prey, and Maid.
Robbie’s deal reflects her creative vision and risk-taking
Robbie’s deal for Barbie is not only lucrative, but also reflects her creative vision and risk-taking. She was instrumental in bringing the project to life, after Mattel had struggled for years to find a suitable partner and direction for the film. Robbie pitched her idea to Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz in 2018, and convinced him to let her produce and star in the film. She also recruited Gerwig, who had just earned an Oscar nomination for Lady Bird, to direct and co-write the script with Noah Baumbach.
Robbie’s idea was to make a film that was not a conventional biopic or origin story of the doll, but rather a meta-comedy that explored the meaning and relevance of Barbie in today’s world. She wanted to challenge the stereotypes and expectations that are often associated with Barbie, and show that she can be anything she wants to be. She also wanted to make a film that was fun, uplifting, and inspiring for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Robbie’s deal also reflects her willingness to take risks and bet on herself. She agreed to take a lower upfront salary than what she usually commands, in exchange for a bigger share of the profits if the film performed well. She also invested some of her own money into the film’s budget, which was around $65 million. Her gamble paid off handsomely, as Barbie became one of the most profitable films of the year.
Gerwig will also benefit from the film’s success
Robbie is not the only one who will benefit from Barbie’s success. Gerwig, who directed and co-wrote the film, will also receive bonuses based on the film’s performance. Gerwig’s deal is similar to Robbie’s, as she also took a lower upfront fee in exchange for a percentage of the profits.
Gerwig has established herself as one of the most acclaimed and influential filmmakers of her generation, with films such as Lady Bird and Little Women. She has been nominated for three Oscars, including Best Director for Little Women. She is also one of the few female directors who have been able to helm big-budget studio films with creative freedom and control.
Gerwig’s vision for Barbie was to make a film that was both hilarious and heartfelt, that celebrated Barbie’s legacy and impact on culture, while also poking fun at her absurdity and contradictions. She also wanted to make a film that was visually stunning and colorful, that captured the essence and spirit of Barbie.
Gerwig’s collaboration with Robbie was praised by both critics and fans, who hailed their chemistry and synergy as a perfect match. They are also set to work together again on another project, a live-action adaptation of Pirates!, a novel by Celia Rees.
