Reality television icon and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is currently in negotiations to portray the primary villain character in Amazon MGM Studios’ highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the globally recognized ‘Bratz’ doll franchise, according to insider sources.
The e-commerce and entertainment conglomerate emerged victorious following an intensely competitive bidding war, securing the coveted feature film rights. This strategic acquisition positions Amazon MGM to potentially cultivate the next major toy-based cinematic phenomenon, aiming to replicate the monumental cultural and financial success witnessed by Warner Bros.’ ‘Barbie’. Specific narrative elements and the identities of additional cast members joining Kardashian remain tightly under wraps at this early developmental stage.
Screenwriting duties have been entrusted to Charlie Polinger (known for ‘Sword of Trust’) and Lucy McKendrick, who are crafting the script under the guidance of Erik Feig and Julia Hammer representing Picturestart. Kardashian herself will join the project as a producer alongside Jason Larian and Jasmin Larian representing MGA Entertainment, the original creators and owners of the Bratz brand. MGA’s founder and CEO, Isaac Larian, is also attached in an executive producer capacity, ensuring brand integrity.
The massive, unprecedented success of 2023’s ‘Barbie’, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, which shattered records to become the year’s highest-grossing film globally with an astonishing $1.44 billion haul, has ignited a frenzied rush throughout Hollywood. Studios are now actively scouring the landscape of nostalgic and contemporary children’s toys for potential big-screen adaptations. A diverse slate of toy-inspired projects is consequently moving forward, including film versions of Mattel’s ‘Hot Wheels’, the beloved purple dinosaur ‘Barney’, the miniature fashion world of ‘Polly Pocket’, and the battling robots of ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’, all currently in active development across multiple studios and production entities.
First launched by MGA Entertainment in 2001, the Bratz doll line rapidly achieved iconic status, distinguished by their bold fashion sense and diverse personalities. Amazon MGM highlights that the brand boasts staggering commercial success, with lifetime sales exceeding 200 million dolls worldwide. Furthermore, the studio points to Bratz’s remarkable contemporary relevance, claiming the franchise currently generates the highest levels of social media engagement across all platforms among any major toy brand. However, translating this dedicated fanbase and online buzz into robust theatrical box office performance presents a significant challenge. The Bratz brand has a mixed cinematic history; Lionsgate’s previous live-action ‘Bratz’ movie released in 2007 was a critical and commercial disappointment, failing to resonate with audiences despite several subsequent animated television series and video game iterations.
Kim Kardashian, globally renowned as the central figure in the long-running reality phenomenon ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ and the founder of the massively successful shapewear and loungewear empire Skims, has been strategically expanding her presence within scripted entertainment. She has recently undertaken roles designed to build her acting credentials, including a significant part in FX’s anthology series ‘American Horror Story: Delicate’ opposite Emma Roberts, and lending her voice to the ‘PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie’ and its predecessor. Kardashian’s upcoming projects signal a continued push into acting: she is slated to headline the ensemble Netflix comedy ‘The Fifth Wheel’, directed by Eva Longoria, and will also feature in Ryan Murphy’s new drama series ‘All Is Fair’.
The initial report regarding Kardashian’s potential casting and Amazon MGM’s acquisition of the ‘Bratz’ film project was exclusively revealed by Deadline Hollywood.
With a lifelong passion for storytelling and a particular focus on the diverse cultures of Asia and the ASEAN region, Monica delves beyond the surface of films and music. She seeks out the productions that spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and offer profound insights into the human condition. She’ll guide you through the societal commentaries and the sheer brilliance of performances that make the Asian and ASEAN landscape so compelling.