Warner Bros. may have problems in 2023, thanks to the merger with Discovery. With one anticipated movie, Batgirl already cancelled for a tax write-off despite the film having been completed and having a head that made his way in the industry with reality television done on the inexpensive, Warner may be in a restructuring year. However, as mentioned two weeks ago, there might be a light in the Warner water tower.

That’s right, Barbie.

The doll the movie is based on was first released in 1959.and has sustained Mattel through down times. It’s not like the doll hasn’t been adapted before. She has appeared in books, video games, home video, and web serials. Barbie has starred in adaptations of other works, including The Nutcracker. The doll has had over 200 careers, from cashier to astronaut. In comparison, Ken, her boyfriend, has only had 54 careers, that slacker.

Suffice to say that Barbie is probably the best known doll worldwide, recognizable on sight. Basing a movie on a doll that sold over $1 billion during the first year of pandemic lockdown isn’t a risk. Barbie has her audience. Enter Greta Gerwig. Gerwig was nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay Oscars for 2017’s Lady Bird and Best Adapted Screenplay for 2019’s Little Women. The easy route would be a simple plot focused around the doll, aimed at the pre-teen girls. Few pre-teen girls are aware of 2001: A Space Odessey.

The teaser hints at something more than a throwawy plot done for a B-budget. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who will portray Barbie and Ken in the film, are not B-level actors. “Also sprach Zarathustra” is not a bubbly pop song. Then there’s the swimsuit Robbie is wearing; it’s Barbie’s original bathing suit. The entire pose and outfit comes from the original 1959 doll.

All of this to say that the Barbie movie will be more than what anyone would expect. The teaser is causing buzz just for going beyond expectations and may be a film that appeals to the entire family.