A string of movies following the recipe that made Barbie successful seems inevitable, but as a film-lover, I don’t want a “new Barbie” any more than I want the next Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones stands the test of time and will always be known as the show of the 2010s. The fantasy lore, complex characters, captivating dynamics, and unique storytelling make it unlike anything we have seen. Even the last couple of mediocre seasons do not overall change the impact that Game of Thrones has on the world. This show is popular for a reason, and people will continue talking about it many decades from now.

Similarly, Barbie had an equally seismic impact. As a decades-old beloved franchise, the Barbie movie drew in women across multiple generations. Furthermore, anyone who has seen the film knows that Barbie is for everyone, attracting multiple audiences, and not just those who played with Barbie dolls growing up. As a fan of the franchise, I found the Barbie movie to be a fresh take on a beloved Mattel character that shaped innumerable childhoods. There is nothing quite like Barbie, and the 2023 film proved it.

I Don’t Want A New Barbie, Just More Original Movies

There Will Never Be A Repeat Of The Barbie Movie

The success of the Barbie movie pushed Mattel and other companies to consider creating more films for other toy franchises, thinking it would be a great idea. Currently, at least 10 upcoming movies are trying to be the “new Barbie,”. However, just because audiences flocked to Barbie, it doesn’t mean that a repackaged version of the same formula will attract the same interest.

As a cinema-goer, I’m always more excited about seeing a movie with original ideas than recycled content – and I know I’m not alone. Many viewers are increasingly tired of film remakes or movies that follow ideas previously done because they sell well. The best movies always take a chance at telling a bold story, which is how we get cinematic masterpieces like Barbie or timeless shows such as Game of Thrones.

The “New Barbie” & “Next Game Of Thrones” Discussions Indicate A Hollywood Problem

Hollywood Started Prioritizing Profit Over Narrative

Statements like “the new Barbie” or “the next Game of Thrones” prove Hollywood has a problem: that the industry prioritizes films that are guaranteed to make huge profits rather than films with a unique story to tell. Instead of proving that audiences want more movies and shows exactly like Barbie and Game of Thrones, their success demonstrates that what we really want are original, compelling stories. Hollywood has become stale because the industry wants to re-create iconic films or television shows rather than be creative. New ideas are always risky, but the highest risks often have the best rewards.

Hollywood is at its best when it is original, bold, and daring. Many film remakes are criticized because there is a lack of heart in the storytelling. However, the emphasis in Hollywood all too often seems to be on profit over creativity. A remake can put a unique twist on a great story while retaining its essence, but most of these films are just the same story with nothing new to say. Barbie is wildly different from what we expected, but at its heart, it is still the franchise we all know and love.

The Barbie Movie Worked Because It Wasn’t Trying To Be Something Else

Barbie Had Its Own Impact

Despite the capitalistic intent, the Barbie movie works because it does not try to be anything else. It keeps the essence of what Barbie means while putting its own spin on the franchise. Barbie has an all-star movie cast, a stellar soundtrack, and a unique villain twist that makes the film a memorable piece of media. However, just because the Barbie movie was highly successful does not mean Hollywood should start making films based on all toy franchises. Making a movie just because a predecessor did well rather than for the movie itself will not end well.

Some interesting Mattel toys, like American Girl Doll or Polly Pocket, could make a great movie. Both franchises have made their own mark in the world and can produce good movies with the right story. However, if the motivation is simply to create “the next Barbie,” these films will fail. There is no integrity to a movie that tries to repeat past success rather than forge its own path. There will never be another Barbie, just as there will never be the next Game of Thrones. Each movie or show should stand on its own without relying on a previous film or show for success.

Despite wanting original content from Hollywood, it is unlikely that the industry will change its marketing tactics, especially when promoting a new movie. Chances are we will not see the end of phrases such as “the next Barbie” or “the next Game of Thrones” anytime soon. We just have to hope that the motivation for these new toy-based films is born from great stories to tell rather than just another means to make money. Then, we might be able to look past the marketing tactics if the movies provide a good story.