Amy Schumer opened up on why she decided to back out of playing the role of Barbie in the upcoming Greta Gerwig film.

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Amy Schumer Reflects on Rejecting Barbie Role in New Movie

Amy Schumer opened up on why she decided to back out of playing the role of Barbie in the upcoming Greta Gerwig film.
Will Heath/NBC

Amy Schumer opened up on why she decided to back out of portraying the role of Barbie in the upcoming Greta Gerwig film.

Schumer was initially cast as Barbie in December 2016. Only three months later, the actress pulled out of the film. According to Variety, she initially cited “scheduling conflicts” as to why she could no longer portray Barbie.

However, Schumer opened up in 2022 about her real reasons for parting. She revealed that there were creative conflicts that led to her leaving the film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she stated that “they definitely didn’t want to do it the way I wanted to do it, the only way I was interested in doing it.”

The actress apparently wanted Barbie to be an inventor, and she disagreed with the company’s ideas for the character. When she was cast, they sent her a celebration pair of Manolo Blahniks. “The idea that that’s just what every woman must want, right there, I should have gone, ‘You’ve got the wrong gal,'” lamented Schumer.

Amy Schumer opened up on why she decided to back out of playing the role of Barbie in the upcoming Greta Gerwig film.
Matt Wilson/Paramount +

This all happened before Gerwig was confirmed as director in 2021. In 2016, when Schumer was cast, the film still had no director.

Schumer continued to support the movie following her departure, though. After she announced that she would no longer be portraying Barbie, she told Variety that “the film has so much promise, and Sony and Mattel have been great partners. I’m bummed, but look forward to seeing Barbie on the big screen.”

The actress’ statements resurfaced earlier this week after Barbie released official film posters and another trailer. Several surprise actors were announced to be in the film, including Dua Lipa, Michael Cera, and Will Ferrell. The amount of big-name stars and other beloved celebrities was completely unexpected. The playful and campy posters for the various Barbies and Kens instantly became iconic masterpieces.

Following the unexpected release, hype exploded. Fans expressed their excitement on Twitter and reflected on Schumer’s previous presence in the film. Ultimately, it seems fans are content that Margot Robbie ended up leading the film. “There’s literally no better option,” tweeted one fan.

Fans can watch Barbie in theaters when it’s released on July 21.