Hollywood star Margot Robbie is riding high on the success of her latest film, Barbie, which has not only grossed over $1 billion at the box office but also made waves on the streaming platform Netflix. The film, directed by Greta Gerwig and co-starring Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, and others, became available for streaming earlier this month, coinciding with the release of another blockbuster, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer.
Following its theatrical debut on July 21, 2022, Barbie quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Boasting impressive earnings of $1.44 billion against its $145 million budget, it has secured the No. 6 spot on the list of the Top 10 most-viewed English-language movies in the United States for the past week. According to Netflix, the film has drawn substantial viewership, ranking behind titles such as Carry-On and The Six Triple Eight. Its popularity extends beyond U.S. borders, having landed on the top 10 lists of various countries including Bulgaria, Spain, and Poland.
Despite the acclaim surrounding Barbie, Margot Robbie faced some backlash over her apparent snub from the Oscars this past year, where her brilliant performance was overlooked for Best Actress. Critics argue this overshadowed the artistic merit of the film and her portrayal of the iconic Mattel doll. Yet, as noteworthy as Barbie is, Robbie's standout role remains her performance as figure skater Tonya Harding in the 2017 biopic, I, Tonya. This film not only marked the beginning of Robbie’s rise to prominence but also earned her first Oscar nomination.
I, Tonya chronicles Harding’s turbulent career, culminating in the infamous incident where her ex-husband conspired to injure fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan. Robbie’s portrayal was met with acclaim, marking a pivotal moment when she realized her potential as an actress, stating she watched the film and thought, “I'm good enough.” This self-realization led her to work with high-profile directors like Quentin Tarantino.
The film aired recently on BBC Two, providing audiences with another chance to appreciate Robbie's acting prowess. For those who missed it, I, Tonya is also being made available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast. The recognition Robbie received for this film paved the way for her continued involvement with cinema through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, which produced I, Tonya, along with notable films such as Birds of Prey and, of course, Barbie. LuckyChap is also gearing up for future projects, including a live-action adaptation of the popular video game The Sims helmed by Loki creator Kate Herron.
Robbie has been vocal about her experiences and how prior performances have played a role in her career development. She mentioned how her turn as Harding gave her the confidence to explore diverse roles and collaborate with various filmmakers. Reflecting on her career, Robbie expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has been afforded, capturing this sentiment by saying, "I always wanted to work with the best, and I’m fortunate to have done so since I, Tonya." This groundwork has enabled her to take on complex characters, demonstrating her versatility as she continues to evolve as both actress and producer.
Margot Robbie's impressive career showcases her ability to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of Hollywood. With the success of Barbie and the impact of I, Tonya still at the forefront of discussions, audience anticipation for her next moves remains high. One can't help but wonder: What will she take on next? Whether through acting or production, it’s clear Robbie's influence on the film industry is only set to grow.
