Mattel's Barbie headed to the big screen

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Hollywood's Universal Pictures and Mattel are developing a live-action movie based on the Barbie doll, film industry sources said.

Variety said producers are working with writers to create a storyline for the picture.

Mattel describes the thin-waist, big-bust miniature mannequin as the No. 1 girls item in the toy industry, the top doll property in the United States and the leading worldwide property in the traditional toy industry, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands," Variety quoted Universal Pictures Chairman Marc Shmuger as saying. "So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture, but never before has she been brought to life in a motion picture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity."