New ‘Barbie’ Trailer Parodies Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ Intro

Fans were excited to see the new teaser trailer for the “Barbie” movie, which stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the lead roles, from Warner Bros.

A first look at director Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated film debuted Friday and is already making waves on social media. Viewers immediately noticed that the short clip was actually a parody of Stanley Kubrick’s classic “2001: A Space Odyssey” from 1968.

The trailer is narrated by Helen Mirren. She explains how Barbie changed the toy market forever by introducing the concept of dolls that were grown-up rather than babies. Little girls are seen smashing their baby dolls on rocks and tossing them aside upon encountering a larger-than-life Barbie (Robbie) on the beach. She’s outfitted in the classic black-and-white bathing suit that was worn by the first Barbie doll ever sold. 

Robbie pulls down her sunglasses and winks before the audience is shown a glimpse of her neon-colored world, including quick clips of synchronized dancing and Gosling sporting blonde hair and a vest. 

The “Barbie” movie is already being pitched as something completely unique. “People generally hear Barbie and think, ‘I know what that movie is going to be,’” Robbie told British Vogue previously. “Then they hear that Greta Gerwig is writing and directing it, and they’re like, ‘Oh, well, maybe I don’t…’”

Gosling said his character of Ken in “Barbie” may look perfect, but he’s emotionally complicated under the surface.

“That Ken life is even harder than the ‘Gray Man’ life, I think,” the actor said while promoting his action thriller movie “The Gray Man” earlier this year, per The Daily Wire. “Ken’s got no money, he’s got no job, he’s got no car, he’s got no house. He’s going through some stuff.”

“It’s not what you think it is, unless it is,” Gosling continued. “And then you know what it is, but I don’t think that’s what you think it is. Wait, what are we talking about?”

The actor joked that Mattel would “box [him] up” if he revealed any details about the upcoming movie. Earlier this year, co-star Simu Liu described “Barbie” as “wild” and “incredibly unique,” saying, “I wish I could just show you what we do day-to-day because it’s crazy.”

Details on the plot and casting are scarce as the production team maintains total secrecy ahead of the film’s release. But in May, a New York Times writer shared on Twitter that multiple actors and actresses will play versions of Ken and Barbie in the movie. Other cast members in addition to Liu include Issa Rae, Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, and others.

Photos of Robbie and Gosling wearing fluorescent clothing while rollerblading made the rounds online this summer, which fueled anticipation surrounding the film’s release. 

“Barbie” is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 21, 2023.

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