Universal Toys With Mattel's "Barbie"

Universal Pictures, home of the most Famous Monsters in Filmland, has added Mattel's "Barbie" doll to its roster of movie adaptations, striking a deal to develop a live-action feature around the toy company's 'signature' toy line, accounting for over 80 per cent of the company's revenue:

"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands,” said Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger.

American Ruth Handler is credited with the creation of the doll, basically taking the idea of a popular German doll at the time, 'Bild Lilli' as her 'inspiration'. Handler reworked the design of the doll (with help from engineer Jack Ryan) and the new Mattel doll was given the name 'Barbie', after Handler's daughter Barbara, debuting at the American International Toy Fair in New York March 9, 1959 (also regarded as Barbie's 'official birthday).

Selling over 350,000 dolls during its first year of production, the original Barbie doll wore a black and white zebra striped swimsuit and signature topknot ponytail, available as a blonde or brunette 'Teen-age Fashion Model', with clothes created by Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson.

“So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture, but never before has she been brought to life in a motion picture. We’re grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity", said Shmuger. Producer of the new "Barbie" movie is Laurence "Julie & Julia" Mark, who says there should be no problem with plot possibilities for "Barbie", as the doll has been wardrobed for over 120 jobs thoughout the years. “Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud,” Mark said. 

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