Barbie live-action comedy movie in works

A Barbie live-action comedy movie is in the works with Sony Pictures and Mattel.
The project will be produced by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald with Jenny Bicks ('Sex and the City', 'The Big C') writing the script, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Sony's production president Hannah Minghella said, "We've always thought that the Barbie story had great potential, but a universe of possibilities opened up when Jenny, Walter and Laurie brought us their unexpected, clever, and truly funny concept.
"It captures everything that has made Barbie a classic for generation after generation while also standing on its own, establishing Barbie as a truly original screen character."

The Barbie movie marks the second collaboration between Sony and Mattel, who are working on a 'Masters of the Universe' project together.
The Barbie storyline will see the character utilise "her personal and professional skills to step into the lives of others and improve them, almost like a modern-day Mary Poppins".

An unknown or up-and-coming star will take on the role of Barbie, with her boyfriend Ken also featuring in the film. Parkes, MacDonald and Bicks's new take on Barbie reportedly has scope to span across several films.
Barbie, originally a fashion doll created by Ruth Handler, was launched in 1959 and is now a USD 3 billion-a-year brand for Mattel.

The toyline has seen her take on more than 150 different careers - including teacher, army officer and ambassador for world peace. She has appeared in a series of animated film and was a supporting character in 'Toy Story 2' and 'Toy Story 3'.