When Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig pitched their offbeat, feminist reimagining of “Barbie” to Warner Bros. and Mattel, they never expected it to become a cultural phenomenon. But it did, grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide and surpassing everyone’s expectations. In a recent interview, Robbie expresses her surprise at the movie’s success, particularly its awards season momentum.
Robbie, along with her LuckyChap co-founders Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara, reflects on their journey and the critical and commercial success they’ve achieved. LuckyChap, which optioned the original material and enlisted Gerwig and Noah Baumbach to write the script, is more than just a production company. Robbie is actively involved in every aspect, from managing shooting schedules and budgets to monitoring tiny details like the number of gallons of pink paint needed for the Barbieland sets.
But “Barbie” is not the only film keeping LuckyChap busy. They have two other movies in motion: Emerald Fennell’s sexually charged “Saltburn,” a provocative look at the British class system, and Megan Park’s coming-of-age comedy “My Old Ass.” LuckyChap is steadily building its entertainment empire, partnering with Olivia Wilde on “Naughty,” a Christmas comedy that’s been compared to “Bridesmaids” at the North Pole.
LuckyChap, with its 13 employees, has a film division and a TV team, all working on the 20 projects they have in active development. Robbie describes their new Los Angeles office as a five-minute skateboard ride away from home, showcasing their dedication to their craft.
Their previous films, including “I, Tonya” and “Promising Young Woman,” have garnered critical acclaim and won multiple awards. Robbie and her co-founders are proud of what they have achieved, and they continue to focus on their North Star – breaking barriers for female talent and telling female-driven stories.
In the interview, Robbie and her team discuss their approach to filmmaking, their dedication to originality and bold storytelling. They emphasize the importance of taking risks and being true to their vision, even in the face of pushback from studios. Robbie’s desire to eventually direct is evident, but for now, she continues to learn from brilliant directors and support female-driven projects.
The conversation also touches on their upcoming projects, including the planned “Ocean’s Eleven” prequel. While George Clooney expressed excitement about Robbie playing his character Danny Ocean’s mother, Robbie and Ackerley playfully tease that they “haven’t confirmed or denied” that plot point. They stress their commitment to fostering both seasoned and emerging filmmakers and building long-term relationships.
As the interview concludes, Robbie expresses her admiration for the potential of new projects that have the same impact as “Barbie” without necessarily being a sequel. LuckyChap’s focus remains on making big, original, and bold films that break barriers and captivate audiences. And with their passion, dedication, and undeniable talent, there’s no doubt that their future endeavors will continue to make waves in the industry.
To read the full interview, visit F5mag.com.