Review
«Barbie»: a clumsy social criticism or masterpiece? This is what our editors have to say
by Luca Fontana
After Barbie comes Polly Pocket: Mattel plans new cinema film
27.7.2023
Translation: machine translated
The Barbie film is a huge commercial success: it has already exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. A Polly Pocket counterpart is set to follow on from this.
Just a few days after its cinema release, it is clear that the Barbie film from Mattel is a huge success. The film grossed 500 million US dollars worldwide within a week. So what could be more obvious for toy manufacturer Mattel than to follow it up with even more films?
A "Barbie" sequel is currently only being thought about. Much more concrete are plans for a "Polly Pocket" film. The toy manufacturer is bringing in celebrities for this: "Emily in Paris" star Lily Collins will take on the lead role. And Lena Dunham, acclaimed US director and actress (Girls), has written the screenplay.
Will Mattel become a film studio?
In fact, Mattel is planning numerous new film projects in the coming years - "Polly Pocket" is just one of them. Plans include live-action films with "Barney the Dinosaur", a "Hot Wheels" film, an "Uno" film and a film about "Thomas the Tank Engine". The industry magazine Variety writes that at least 45 films are planned.
But Polly Pocket is certainly aimed at a similar target group - with similar audience success. The film will tell the story of a little girl who befriends a doll. And Mattel producer Robbie Brenner revealed in an interview with Variety that Dunham's script was "great". Lily Collins, meanwhile, is looking forward to the role: "I was obsessed with Polly Pocket as a child. This is a dream come true and I can't wait to bring these little toys to the screen," said the 34-year-old actress in an interview.
The Polly Pocket dolls, which were initially produced by Bluebird Toys in England, took the toy world by storm in the early 1980s. The dolls, which were around one centimetre tall, came with tiny plastic cases that could be opened and contained small worlds. Today, collectors pay large sums of money for the old sets.
Film release date is unknown
When the film will be shot is not yet clear. Lily Collins is still preparing for the fourth season of "Emily in Paris". It can also be assumed that the current strike by the authors and actors in the USA will delay the start
In any case, it remains to be seen whether the new film will get the same audience figures as the "Barbie" film. But if you loved Dunham's "Girls" as much as I did, you probably know that it's going to be a very modern, feminist and hilarious film.
What do you think? Will the Polly Pocket flick be able to replicate the success of Barbie? Tell me in the comments!
Cover image: Collectoys/Shutterstock
A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.