Variety reports that actress Rita Wilson is producing a brand new biographical film titled Dream Doll, which centers on the life of Barbie Doll inventor and Mattel founder Ruth Handler, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 85. Wilson is developing the project together with Bron Studios and Rare Bird Films.
“Everyone knows the iconic Barbie, which, after more than 60 years, continues to be one of the most globally successful dolls,” Wilson said.“But few know the story of the inspiring, innovative, passionate woman who defied odds to create her. Ruth Handler’s story awes, empowers, and sometimes infuriates. What an honor it is to be part of the team that will bring Ruth’s autobiography to the screen. I am so thankful to the Handler and Segal families for trusting us with this incredible woman’s life.”
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Dream Doll will be based on the 1995 memoir titled Dream Doll: The Ruth Handler Story. It will chronicle the life of an incredible American businesswoman who was responsible for the creation of the iconic toy doll. Handler was inspired to create Barbie through watching her pre-teen daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls by pretending they were adults. Handler had first launched Barbie on March 9, 1959 and had also named the doll after her daughter.
“The world should know about the phenomenal woman behind the doll,” Handler’s daughter Barbara and granddaughter Cheryl Segal said in a joint statement. “We have chosen to work with Rita Wilson, Cristan Crocker, Andrea Nevins and Bron Studios to bring Ruth’s story to life. Working with them on this project seemed like a perfect fit because we feel that they recognize just how inspiring and empowering Ruth was.”
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The biopic will be penned by Oscar nominee Melisa Wallack (Dallas Buyers Club) with Bron Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert and Rare Bird Films’ Cristan Crocker and Andrea Nevins set as producers. Anjay Nagpal and Steven Thibault of Bron Studios will executive produce while Solome Williams and Jordan Moldo will be overseeing the project.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Mattel are currently developing a live-action Barbie movie that was previously set for a May 2020 release with Academy Award-nominated actress Margot Robbie taking on the titular role. The status of that film remains up in the air.
(Photo Credits: MATT CAMPBELL/AFP/Getty Images)
