“Barbie teams up with Illumination for a vibrant animated adventure, brought to life by the creators of Minions and Mario.”
After decades of inspiring imaginations, Barbie is finally headed to theatres in a way we’ve never seen before. This milestone comes courtesy of the studio behind Minions.
Illumination, the studio that made Despicable Me, Minions, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is making the first CGI Barbie theatrical film with Mattel Studios.
This marks a historic moment for the Barbie franchise. Despite starring in over 50 animated films since 2001, Barbie has never had a fully CGI theatrical release. That is about to change with Illumination at the helm.
Why This Is a Big Deal
In 2023, Barbie was more than just a blockbuster; it became a cultural movement. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, the live-action film grossed over $1.44 billion, became Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing film, and earned eight Academy Award nominations.
This new CGI project is not a sequel or continuation. It is a completely fresh creative reboot, offering an entirely new take on Barbie’s story. The film is being crafted by a studio renowned for high-energy, family-friendly hits.
Why Illumination?
Illumination has turned animated properties into global sensations with a proven track record. Their megahits include: Minions, Despicable Me 4, Sing and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The studio has perfected the formula for creating vibrant, humorous, and widely successful animated films.
Illumination is known for maintaining cost-efficient production while delivering colorful visuals and comedy that resonate with younger audiences. This makes it the ideal partner to reimagine Barbie in animated form.
What About Barbie’s Animation Legacy?
Barbie is no stranger to animation. Since 2001, she has appeared in 52 direct-to-video or streaming animated films, from Barbie: Princess Charm School to Barbie Mermaid Power. Most recently, she starred in Barbie and Teresa: Recipe for Friendship (2025).
However, this upcoming film will be Barbie’s first-ever CGI animated theatrical release. It represents a significant leap forward for her presence on the big screen.
This is a completely independent production under Mattel Studios, which holds the animation rights. The separation from the 2023 film allows Illumination full creative freedom to develop a Barbie that is whimsical, high-energy, and tailored specifically for younger audiences, without the philosophical tone of the Greta Gerwig version.
The movie’s plot, voice cast, and release date have not yet been announced. However, it is expected to be distributed by Universal Pictures, Illumination’s longtime partner.
What’s Next for Mattel’s Movie Universe?
This Barbie film is part of a larger strategy by Mattel to expand its toy-based cinematic universe.
Upcoming projects include:
- Polly Pocket (starring Lily Collins)
- Hot Wheels (directed by Jon M. Chu)
- Masters of the Universe (releasing under Amazon MGM Studios in 2026)
Barbie’s animated feature leads this new wave, using CGI storytelling as a cost-effective and globally appealing way to grow Mattel’s brand.
Legacy Meets Innovation
This upcoming Barbie movie could be the perfect fusion of legacy and innovation. It is vibrant, modern, and crafted by the same studio that brought us dancing Minions, heroic plumbers, and the ever-lovable Gru.
If any team can take Barbie’s legacy and turn it into the next billion-dollar animated hit, it is Illumination.
Key Takeaways
- This will be Barbie’s first theatrical animated movie, following 52 direct-to-video titles.
- Illumination is making the movie with Mattel Studios.
- The live-action Barbie film team is not involved. This is a brand-new project.
- No release date, plot, or voice cast has been announced yet.
- The film kicks off a new wave of CGI-based Mattel movies aimed at global audiences.
FAQ
Q1: Is this connected to the 2023 Barbie movie?
A: No. This is a completely new animated feature, unrelated to the live-action film directed by Greta Gerwig.
Q2: Who is developing the movie?
A: The film is being developed by Illumination and Mattel Studios, and will likely be distributed by Universal Pictures.
Q3: Will Margot Robbie voice Barbie?
A: Highly unlikely. Current reports confirm that neither Margot Robbie nor Greta Gerwig is involved in this project.
Q4: Is this Barbie’s first animated movie?
A: No. Barbie has starred in over 50 animated films, but this is her first planned for theatrical release.
Q5: When is the movie coming out?
A: There is no official release date yet.
