Amy Schumer Drops Out of Live Action ‘Barbie’ Movie

Back in December when it was announced comedian Amy Schumer would be starring as the title character in the live action Barbie movie, Redstate’s Mickey White wrote that Barbie deserved better than Amy Schumer.

There is nothing in Amy Schumer’s resume that would make her a good candidate for a children’s film about the ideal woman. Of course, Schumer and her defenders are making this all about appearances. It’s no secret that Amy Schumer had to lose quite a bit of weight before anyone in Hollywood would give her a shot. Now she’s acting like it’s the public’s fault for noticing…

…In addition to the striking physical flaws with the idea, Schumer doesn’t capture the essence of success that Barbie has always enjoyed. Barbie doesn’t have to work hard for things, she just does them. Schumer couldn’t play confident with Meryl Streep’s acting skills. It’s just not who she is.

Barbie isn’t just some doll, she’s an American icon, since she first hit the shelves in the 1959 young girls have lived out their wildest dreams though the her. Barbie is always the height of fashion, culture and decorum. That last one is another sticking point for the argument to use Amy Schumer. She’s not exactly role model material for young girls. Which leads me to the real question about all of this: Who thought casting Amy Schumer as Barbie was a good idea?

As it turns out, Chuck Schumer’s cousin won’t be ruining Barbie’s essence after all. Schumer recently told Variety that she was forced to drop out of the film due to “scheduling conflicts”.  Sony confirmed the move in a statement.

“We respect and support Amy’s decision. We look forward to bringing Barbie to the world and sharing updates on casting and filmmakers soon.”

“Scheduling conflicts” is a common Hollywood term for “negotiation breakdown” or “you messed up and now you’re fired”. Schumer has become increasingly political over the years and it has had some serious effects on her career. Her most recent stand-up special for Netflix was plagued by low fan ratings, which Schumer claims as the result of a concentrated campaign by the “alt-right”.

I am so proud of my special and grateful to all the people spreading love on line about it. I am the first female comic who is selling out arenas all over the world and so grateful for that. I am embarrassed for the “journalists” who report on trolls activities as if it’s news. It’s indicative of administration right now. Anyone who reported that “viewers aren’t happy” with my special, it would have been cool if you did a moment of research before posting. The alt right organized trolls attack everything I do. Read the @splitsider article. They organize to get my ratings down. Meeting in sub Reddit rooms. They tried on my book and movies and tv show And I want to thank them. It makes me feel so powerful and dangerous and brave. It reminds me what I’m saying is effective and bring more interest to my work and their obsession with me keeps me going. I am only alarmed by the people printing their organized trolling as “news” this is what the current administration wants. So this post has nothing against the trolls. I thank you trolls so much. It fills me with hope and power to see you all furiously posting so as always accuse me of whatever lies you want. Call me a whale. Call me a thief and I will continue to rise and fight and lead. I know who I am. I am strong and beautiful and will use my voice my whole time on this earth. Journalists do better it’s embarrassing. Trolls see you on the next one!

A post shared by @amyschumer on Mar 15, 2017 at 9:28am PDT

It may well be that Sony just doesn’t want to risk upsetting the conservative market of moms who grew up with Barbie and have decided to cut their losses.

However, Variety reports that there are indeed legitimate time concerns and Sony has a strict timeline due to merchandise and marketing concerns.

The big screen adaptation of Mattel’s iconic toy line was expected to start production this summer on June 23, but Schumer’s busy schedule includes a lengthy promotional tour for her new Fox comedy “Snatched,” which opens in May, as well as an upcoming shoot for Rebecca Miller’s “She Came to Me” opposite Steve Carell.

Sony needed to stick to its June 29, 2018 release date since Mattel already has merchandise and product cycles in motion–shifting the production to accommodate Schumer would have put on a strain on other partners on the film, according to insiders.

Sony’s as-yet-unannounced replacement for Schumer should be very telling.

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