Get Ready to Giggle: Glamorous Barbie Movie Secrets and Hilarious Hollywood Shenanigans
Step into the enchanting world of the 2023 Barbie movie, where fantasy and reality seamlessly intertwine amidst the captivating backdrop of iconic locations–from the picturesque landscapes of Leavesden near London to the sun-kissed shores of Venice Beach and the bustling streets of Los Angeles’ Century City and Long Beach, this cinematic masterpiece takes viewers on a thrilling adventure.
As the first images from the film emerged, the magic of Barbie Land began to unfold, revealing the meticulous artistry that brought this beloved universe to life.
Follow the footprints of Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as they rollerblade through Venice Beach in vintage Barbie attire, a glimpse of the fantastical journey that awaits audiences in this delightful tale.
The Barbie movie was shot in various locations, including Leavesden near London, Venice Beach, Century City, and Long Beach in California.
The first glimpses of the movie emerged from the set at Leavesden in Watford, near London. Soon after, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were spotted rollerblading in vintage Barbie attire around Venice Beach in Los Angeles. (Guess what the #1 Halloween outfit will be this year? Yep, you guessed it!)
One of the key filming locations at Venice Beach was the Venice Beach Boardwalk, situated along Ocean Front Walk. This location appeared multiple times in the movie, featuring the eclectic selection of stalls for which the boardwalk is known.
The Venice Beach Recreation Center was also used for filming scenes where Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were rollerblading. Their characters’ Barbie Land skating clothes didn’t quite fit in, even in the famous skating destination of LA.
The movie’s beach scenes were shot at Venice Beach. Not only has Venice Beach been a popular filming location for the Barbie film, but it has also been featured in several other movies, tv shows such as Baywatch and music videos for Lana del Rey and INXS and launched the 90’s craze, roller-dancing.
Barbie’s Venice Police Station scenes were filmed at the old Venice City Hall and LAPD Venice Division Police Station building in Venice.
In another scene, Barbie and Ken leave the police station after taking mugshots, used as publicity shots. The Art Deco Venice Police Station building was closed some time ago, and is now an arts venue and sometimes for filming.
The Mattel Headquarters scenes were shot at the Bank of America Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles. The view from the headquarters’ windows was a Barbie-ized version of Downtown LA with the Hollywood sign in the hills beyond.
For the car chase sequence, the movie filmed around south of LA in and around Long Beach. Gloria, played by America Ferrera, is seen driving on and around Ocean Boulevard, helping Barbie escape from the pursuing Mattel CEO and executives after leaving Mattel’s Head Office.
Another location in Long Beach, is in and around the Arts District. It was used for a scene where Gloria, her daughter, and Barbie park the car and run along an alleyway to escape the pursuing Mattel CEO.
Barbie Land scenes were filmed at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, UK. The fab pink fantasy sets included Barbie’s Dreamhouse, the streets of Barbie Land, and the Barbie Land beach where Ken and Allan hang out.
The production used a vibrant pink color palette throughout, leading to an international shortage of Barbie’s signature shade of pink due to the excessive amount of pink paint used.
Finding inspiration for the incredible world of Barbie Land came from various sources, including the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs, known for its open plan spaces and a vast swimming pool. The houses in Barbie Land were inspired by real Barbie play-sets, with the treehouse resembling the Club Chelsea Treehouse.
Barbie’s Dreamhouse was built on the outskirts of London but also recreated in Malibu. The official Barbie house in Malibu was restyled for the film’s release, with new features inspired by the movie’s version of Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse and Ken’s Way.
For fans of the animated series “Life in the Dreamhouse,” there were echoes of the short-lived Ken Den in the movie’s portrayal of Barbie’s Dreamhouse.
Did you know?
Barbie and Ken broke up briefly in 2004. To give Barbie a modern makeover and appeal to a wider audience, Mattel announced the “Barbie and the Rockers” line, where Barbie had a new love interest named Blaine. Ken, feeling left out, was removed from the toy shelves.
However, the separation was short-lived, and due to overwhelming demand from fans, Barbie and Ken reunited in 2011. The duo has been together ever since, proving that true love conquers all, even in plastic romance!
A little history:
Barbie and Ken are iconic dolls created by the American toy company Mattel, Inc. They have become cultural symbols and are recognized worldwide. Here’s a brief history of Barbie and Ken:
Barbie:
- Barbie was introduced on March 9, 1959, at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.
- The doll was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, who was inspired by watching her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls and imagining adult roles for them.
- Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, named after Ruth Handler’s daughter.
- The first Barbie doll wore a black-and-white striped swimsuit, signature ponytail, and white sunglasses. She quickly became popular and was hailed as the “Teenage Fashion Model.”
- Throughout the years, Barbie has had various careers and outfits, representing different professions, hobbies, and styles, from an astronaut and a doctor to a ballerina and even a rock star.
- Over time, Barbie has been designed for different ethnicities and body types, embracing greater inclusivity and diversity.
Ken:
- Ken, Barbie’s iconic companion, was introduced two years after Barbie in 1961.
- The doll was named after Ruth Handler’s son, Kenneth Handler.
- Like Barbie, the original Ken doll had a molded plastic hairstyle and was dressed in a red bathing suit.
- Ken has also evolved over the years, taking on various professions and styles to complement Barbie’s changing roles.
- In 2004, Mattel introduced the “My Scene” line of dolls, featuring a more modern and stylish version of Ken to appeal to a younger audience.
- Throughout their history, Barbie and Ken have experienced an on-again, off-again relationship, breaking up and reuniting several times.
Legacy and Impact:
- Barbie and Ken’s popularity has extended beyond just toys. They have become cultural icons, inspiring movies, TV shows, books, and even fashion collaborations.
- The dolls have sparked discussions about body image and gender roles, with praise for their empowering representations and criticism for setting unrealistic beauty standards.
- Despite the controversies, Barbie and Ken remain beloved and cherished by many generations of children and collectors worldwide.
- In 2009, Barbie celebrated her 50th anniversary with various events and special editions, highlighting her enduring legacy in toys and popular culture.
Throughout the decades, Barbie and Ken have evolved and adapted to the changing times, making them toys and reflections of societal values and aspirations. Their timeless appeal and ability to capture the imaginations of millions have solidified their place as two of the most iconic and recognizable toys in history.
