Amy Schumer may not be everyone's cuppa tea, but the thought of her starring as Barbie in Sony's upcoming live action movie about the doll is a sign that the creators probably intend to do something interesting with their subject.
Although a script already exists for the film, Schumer, who is expected to sign on as a co-writer, is set to rewrite it with her sister Kim Caramele. The story, about a doll who awakes in the land of "perfect Barbies" to the realisation she doesn't fit in, will address issues around body image and diversity that the toy brand has increasingly been forced to contend with in recent years.
Of course, news that the comedian who once described her look as "strong and healthy and also like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda" is in talks with Sony for the role didn't go down particularly well in the corner of the internet inhabited by the kind of sour trolls whose biggest problem in life is having their childhoods "ruined" by women doing things differently in 2016 (see: Ghostbusters).
Let the body-shaming begin.
Sony is doubling down after their Ghostbusters diaster by casting Amy Schumer as Barbie. Do they really think moms will take their girls?
— Brenden Greenwood (@BrendenG) December 4, 2016
@katy_red So will you be going with your kid to see Amy Schumer as Barbie? Next up Peter Dinklage as Andre The Giant pic.twitter.com/7QNZtMLNMx
— Reverend Death (@mrchapel) December 4, 2016
@amyschumer is going to be playing 'Barbie'.... She gonna need lipsuction for that role... and to actually be attractive#BTFO#Barbie
— Deplorable Cleaner (@CulextheCleaner) December 3, 2016
When I think of Barbie, I think beautiful and skinny. @amyschumer doesn't possess these qualities.
— Pinkie (@notapinkpony) December 3, 2016
I tell my husband that Amy Schumer is apparently going to play #Barbie in a live action movie.
— Lady Sky 🐸 (@SummerSkyes55) December 3, 2016
Nikolas starts crying.
He knows what's up.
Some people had more legitimate concerns.
people are upset that amy schumer is playing barbie because she's fat
— androobie (@kindafacetious) December 4, 2016
my issue is that she's simply the least funny girl comedian ever
Others were a little more excited by the prospect.
@amyschumer as Live action @Barbie ....Im Game pic.twitter.com/aFrvyRrmLc
— G€0RG€ Mu|r00n€y Jr. (@Classic_George) December 4, 2016