If you were one of those kids who played with Barbie dolls growing up, then you’re probably pretty excited for the live-action Barbie movie to be released in 2017. But perhaps this bit of news will electrify the toy-loving child inside you even more: there’s a film about Barbie’s origins in development from Reese Witherspoon and her producing partner Bruna Papandrea.

The film is based on Robin Gerber’s book, Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her. As you can guess, it will offer a glimpse into the life of the visionary Ruth Handler, who was one of ten children from Polish-Jewish immigrants. She invented the Barbie doll in the early ’50s, inspired by watching her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls that were too flimsy to support their clothes. Ruth’s husband Elliot will also feature in the film, as a fellow designer and co-founder of the mega manufacturing company Mattel. Both Ruth and Elliot are deceased, but they sure do boast a serious legacy that lives on in the experiences of children everywhere, and no doubt many adults who refuse to give up their precious Barbie doll collection (I could be one of those adults, but I’ll leave that open-ended).

There are no details yet about who will direct, write, or star in this project, though I’m sure you’re wondering if Witherspoon herself will play the role of Ruth Handler. Unfortunately, that news isn’t public knowledge yet, but you could start a petition if you’re in favor!

Would you be interested in seeing the Barbie origin story? Reach out to me on Twitter, or make a comment below.

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HT: Slash Film

IMAGE: Courtesy of Creative Commons