Anne Hathaway was briefly attached to star in a Barbie movie written by Ocean’s 8 writer that had a drastically different theme.

Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, Barbie became the biggest surprise box office hit and cultural juggernaut of 2023. The film based on the Mattel toyline of the same name explores themes of existentialism and feminism through a wonderfully crafted world of eccentric characters.

Anne Hathaway in a still from Ocean’s 8.
However, the film looked almost entirely different at one point with an entirely different creative team attached to the project. Actress, Anne Hathaway was once poised to bring to life Barbie in a film based on a screenplay by Ocean’s 8 writer Olivia Milch. While that film never materialized, here is what Milch revealed about its story and themes.

Ocean’s 8 Writer Spills Details of Anne Hathaway’s Unmade Barbie Movie

Actress Anne Hathaway is known for her work in films such as The Princess Diaries and The Dark Knight Rises. Hathaway was once attached to star in the titular role in one iteration of Barbie, with Olivia Milch writing the screenplay. Hathaway and Milch worked together on 2018’s Ocean’s 8.

Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Milch opened up about the unmade version of the film, which would have seen Hathaway play Barbie. Milch revealed that the film would have tackled the theme of ageism. She said:
“The idea of a Barbie who feels like an outsider and doesn’t make as much sense in Barbie Land anymore.”
As a result, it seems like Hathaway’s version of the film would have been slightly similar to Margot Robbie’s version, albeit with a different context. It was also reported that this iteration would have seen Barbie getting kicked out of Barbieland for being imperfect, leading to an adventure in the real world.

In Greta Gerwig and Robbie’s version, Barbie does leave Barbieland for an adventure in the real world, but by her own accord. However, Milch’s comments imply that her and Hathaway’s version would have seen Barbie getting kicked out because of her age, making the narrative painfully depressing.

Anne Hathaway Feels Lucky Her Version of Barbie Was Never Made

Anne Hathaway was reportedly in talks to star in a Barbie movie in 2021 after Amy Schumer had exited the project. Schumer had been working on the project alongside side Sony but left the film in 2017. However, the version starring Hathaway also did not materialize and the actress revealed she was glad things turned out the way they did.

Margot Robbie in a still from Barbie
During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hathaway opened up about missing out on playing Barbie while praising Gerwig and Robbie’s film. Hathaway stated that the duo hit the bullseye with their take on the character.
“Now imagine that version … that much energy, that much anticipation, that much emotion … but it’s not the right version. I actually think of it as a lucky thing [it didn’t get made].”
Hathaway made the above statement implying that Gerwig and Robbie’s version was superior and deserved the appreciation it received. Similarly, in the aforementioned interview, Milch also stated that she was happy that her and Hathaway’s version never materialized, allowing the world to see Gerwig and Robbie’s take in 2023.

Barbie is streaming on Max.