Lena Dunham Exits ‘Polly Pocket’ Movie, Cites Inability to Replicate Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Success
Lena Dunham has officially stepped down from directing the much-anticipated ‘Polly Pocket’ movie. The acclaimed actor and director cited her belief that she couldn’t replicate the success that Greta Gerwig achieved with her blockbuster film, ‘Barbie’.
Dunham’s Journey with ‘Polly Pocket’
Dunham, known for creating and starring in the hit US TV comedy ‘Girls’, was enlisted to direct the ‘Polly Pocket’ film in 2021. Over the past three years, she dedicated considerable time and effort to writing the script and developing the project. Despite this, Dunham told The New Yorker, “I’m not going to make the Polly Pocket movie. I wrote a script, and I was working on it for three years.”
Star-Studded Cast and High Expectations
The ‘Polly Pocket’ movie was set to feature ‘Emily In Paris’ star Lily Collins in the lead role. Collins’ involvement had generated significant excitement, promising a fresh and engaging portrayal of the beloved doll. Additionally, Robbie Brenner, the producer overseeing Mattel’s film division, had previously expressed high praise for Dunham’s work. Brenner told Variety last year that the script was “great” and Dunham “is so collaborative and rolls up her sleeves and really likes to roll around in notes and listen.”
Challenges of Following ‘Barbie’
Despite the enthusiasm and positive feedback, Dunham ultimately decided to step back from the project. She acknowledged the difficulty of putting her personal stamp on ‘Polly Pocket’ in the same way that Greta Gerwig did with ‘Barbie’. Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ was a monumental success, grossing $1.44 billion at the box office and making Gerwig the most successful solo female director in history. Dunham admitted the challenge of meeting such high expectations played a role in her decision to withdraw.
The Impact of ‘Barbie’ on Future Toy Films
Gerwig’s achievement with ‘Barbie’ has set a new benchmark for films based on iconic toy brands. The success of ‘Barbie’ has not only raised the bar for future projects but has also highlighted the potential for innovative and compelling storytelling within this genre. Dunham’s departure from ‘Polly Pocket’ underscores the pressure filmmakers face in following such a groundbreaking success.
The Future of ‘Polly Pocket’
With Dunham’s exit, the future of the ‘Polly Pocket’ movie remains uncertain. However, the project still holds promise, given its strong concept and the initial positive reception of the script. The search for a new director will be crucial in determining the film’s direction and ensuring it resonates with audiences.
Conclusion
Lena Dunham’s decision to step down from directing the ‘Polly Pocket’ movie marks a significant shift in the project’s development. Her candid acknowledgment of the challenges in replicating Greta Gerwig’s success with ‘Barbie’ reflects the high stakes involved in bringing beloved toy brands to the big screen. As the ‘Polly Pocket’ movie continues to evolve, the film industry will be watching closely to see how this project unfolds and who will take the helm next.