Warner Bros releases first look photo of Margot Robbie as Barbie

Australian actress Margot Robbie has transformed into Barbie, with fans given a first look photo from the upcoming live-action film.

Margot Robbie has transformed into Barbie for Warner Bros’ upcoming live-action film.

The 31-year-old Australian actress has appeared in character for the first time in a new promotional image, in which she’s seen wearing a blue and white swimsuit and a matching polka-dot headband.

The Oscar-nominated actress, who landed the iconic role back in 2019, is pictured in the driver’s seat of Barbie’s signature pink car as she flashes a huge smile at the camera.

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Margot Robbie is seen for the first time as Barbie for the upcoming movie. Picture: Warner Brothers

Warner Bros also revealed the movie would be released in theatres on July 21, 2023.

Robbie, who is originally from the Gold Coast, also serves as a producer for the film under her company LuckyChap Entertainment, which teamed up with Mattel Films and Heyday Films.

US actor Ryan Gosling is set to play Barbie’s love interest, Ken, in the Greta Gerwig film, which also stars America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Will Ferrell, Issa Rae and Michael Cera.

Dream casting: Ryan Gosling will play Ken. Picture: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

Robbie landed the role back in 2019. Picture: AP Photo/Christophe Ena

Filming began last month in the UK.

Little is known about the storyline for the live-action flick, but Robbie previously suggested it would surprise viewers.

“It comes with a lot of baggage and a lot of nostalgic connections, but with that comes a lot of exciting ways to attack it,” she said.

“People generally hear Barbie and think, ‘I know what that movie is going to be’, and then they hear that Greta Gerwig is writing and directing it, and they’re like, ‘Oh, well, maybe I don’t’.”

Gerwig, 38, known for her Oscar-nominated films Little Women and Lady Bird, also wrote the script for Barbie.

Dream team: Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig are currently making Barbie in the UK. Picture: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

US comedian Amy Schumer was originally announced as the role of Barbie in 2016 before dropping out due to scheduling conflicts, before Anne Hathaway landed the role.

However, Hathaway also left the project after filming was postponed in 2017.

At the time of her casting, Robbie said: “Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child‘s journey to self-discovery.

“Over the brand’s almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president.”

Originally published as Warner Bros releases first look photo of Margot Robbie as Barbie