Part 3/10:

Gerwig’s response suggests she was prepared for some controversy but emphasizes her intent: to create a dialogue rather than incite animosity. Her approach reflects an understanding that in a highly polarized climate, diplomacy is often the best route for creators.

The Marketing and Artistic Choices

The film's production details underscore how safe a risk it was for the studios. With a production budget of $100 million and a marketing budget of approximately $150 million—over one and a half times the film’s cost—Barbie was effectively a guaranteed commercial success. Its reliance on an established IP provided an audience base, while the insertion of feminist themes was a calculated creative decision.