Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Lemont native Diablo Cody has been tapped to rewrite the script for the pending live-action “Barbie” film based on Mattel’s iconic doll. According to Deadline.com, Sony Pictures is very hopeful “Barbie” could turn into a mega-movie franchise, if the first film hits the right note.
Veteran husband and wife Hollywood producers Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are producing the film, with Amy Pascal — who recently (and very publicly) departed her top post at Sony — just added to the producing team.
Cody, who won her Oscar for best original screenplay for “Juno,” is seen as being brought in because of her reputation as a good example of female empowerment.
It is hoped she can add a touch of edginess to the Barbie squeaky-clean image — and add a note of coolness to the famous fashion doll, similar to how “The Lego Movie” turned out to be a very hip concept.
