If you're anything like me, you've been counting down the days until Barbie is released — and thank god, we've got less than a month to go.
Judging by the snippets we've seen in the trailer, through on-brand marketing and on social media, Greta Gerwig's Barbie looks like it'll be an explosion of fuchsia pink-coloured fun.
And honestly, I wasn't sold on Ryan Gosling being cast as Ken in the beginning — but from his shenanigans on the press tour, he has truly proven that he was born to play everyone's favourite himbo.
There's more to Barbie than the fun-filled dance sequences, incredible set design and beautiful costumes though. With such a diverse cast of Barbies, Kens and humans, there's no doubt that the film will explore themes of representation and diversity.
When talking about why she signed on for Barbie, America Ferrera — who plays Gloria, a Mattel employee in the film — said, "It feels important — there I said it. This movie feels important to me on so many levels."
It's also worth noting that amongst the other movies timed around its release — like Oppenheimer, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny — Barbie is one of the rare few that, although is inclusive of everyone, is mainly targeted at females.
When asked about the importance of the film's audience and messaging at a press conference in Australia, Margot admitted that Barbie wouldn't exist without the incredible success of the first Wonder Woman film — which was directed by Patty Jenkins.
"If Wonder Woman hadn't done what Wonder Woman would have done, I don't know if people would have given us the budget [for Barbie]."
"I remember when they were trying to come up with comps for this movie [Barbie], there's not that many and it's important to have them. It makes a difference on the business side of things to have those comps and have that proof in the pudding — that they've made money and done well."
"Hopefully, we can be an extra stepping stone for the next thing."
Greta, who co-wrote and directed Barbie, was also present at the press conference. She agreed and said: "I'm so grateful that Patty Jenkins made Wonder Woman."
For context, Wonder Woman — which was released in 2017 — was not only the first female-led superhero film in more than a decade, it was the first American studio superhero movie to be directed by a woman.
During its release, Wonder Woman greatly exceeded box office expectations, earning over $800 million. It also received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, with much of the credit going to its female director.
So, what Margot is ultimately saying is that Patty paved the way for other female directors to take charge and make their mark on the industry.
So, if you weren't already going to see Barbie when it's released in cinemas on July 21, this is a very good reason to support it.
More female directed-movies now, please and thank you.