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Barbie to receive her own film franchise

The script is said to be contemporary, and will feature Barbie as she uses her personal and professional skills to help others.

By Annie Martin
The Mattel Barbie Doll on the cover of the 50th anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is on display at the 111th American International Toy Fair. (John Angelillo/UPI)
The Mattel Barbie Doll on the cover of the 50th anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is on display at the 111th American International Toy Fair. (John Angelillo/UPI) | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, April 23 (UPI) -- Barbie will soon receive her very own film franchise.

Sony Pictures and Mattel have teamed up to give the eternal blonde her own series of movies. Sony studio chief Amy Pascal and production president Hannah Minghella oversaw the deal themselves, and plan to start production by the end of 2014.

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Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald will produce the first film, and Jenny Bicks has been brought on to write the script. Deadline reports that the storyline is contemporary, and highlights Barbie as she uses her personal and professional skills to help others.

"We've always thought that the Barbie story had great potential, but a universe of possibilities opened up when Jenny, Walter and Laurie brought us their unexpected, clever and truly funny concept," Minghella says. "It captures everything that has made Barbie a classic for generation after generation while also standing on its own, establishing Barbie as a truly original screen character."

"Barbie has entertained children and inspired their imagination and creativity for more than 50 years," adds Tim Kilpin, Mattel's global brands vice president. "Now is the right time in Barbie's celebrated history for her to star in a live-action, contemporary comedy that brings her playful personality to life for generations of fans."

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