Amy Schumer cast as Barbie in live action family film

In what may be unexpected casting news, Amy Schumer has reportedly landed the lead role in the ‘Barbie’ movie.

Sony are producing the live-action, PG-rated comedy adventure based on the long-running Mattel toyline.

Deadline report that as well as taking the lead, the ‘Trainwreck’ actress and TV comedienne will also make contributions to the screenplay from Hillary Winston.

Given that the Barbie doll has long been controversial for promoting what some call unrealistic physical standards to young girls, the fuller-figured Schumer seems an unlikely choice for the role – but apparently this is part of what the ‘Barbie’ movie will be about.

Deadline tell us Schumer will portray “a character who lives in Barbieland, among all of the various Barbie characters beloved by doll collectors (there are dolls covering over 180 careers).

“In a fish out of water story reminiscent of films like ‘Splash’ and ‘Big,’ Schumer’s Barbie gets kicked out, basically because she’s not perfect enough, is a bit eccentric and doesn’t quite fit the mold.

“She then goes on an adventure in the real world and by the time she returns to Barbieland to save it, she has gained the realization that perfection comes on the inside, not the outside.”

Sounds rather like ‘Enchanted,’ then, but with a little less fairy tale magic and a lot more plastic fantastic.

‘Barbie’ doesn’t have a director at present, but former Sony boss Amy Pascal is producing alongside Walter Parkes and Lori MacDonald, and the film is penciled in for summer 2018.

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