Greta Gerwig was both excited and apprehensive about directing the highly anticipated Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling blockbuster Barbie before production began in March 2022.

Greta Gerwig is opening up about her early concerns about Barbie, probably her most ambitious film to date!

Margot Robbie plays Barbie, and Ryan Gosling plays Ken in the much anticipated romantic comedy. While filming began in March 2022, paparazzi photos of the two stars dressed as Barbie and Ken from the sets of Barbie in Los Angeles went viral and had everyone talking.

Greta Gerwig, who directed and co-wrote Barbie’s script with husband Noah Baumbach, admitted on the Dua Lipa: At Your Service podcast, via Entertainment Weekly, that she was both excited and “terrified” before filming began in March 2022: “It was frightening. That, I believe, played a significant role. I believe there is something to be said for starting from that point when you think, ‘Well, everything is conceivable!’ Starting to write it gave me vertigo. So, where do you even start? What would the plot be?”

Despite the enormous burden of bringing the renowned toy franchise to the big screen, Greta Gerwig nonetheless appreciates Barbie for pushing her out of her comfort zone: “That sense was of knowing it would be a really exciting terror. That’s usually where the best stuff is. When you think, ‘I’m frightened of it.’ Anything where you think, ‘This could be the end of my career,’ you think, ‘Okay, I probably better try it.'”

Gerwig didn’t reveal much about the narrative, but she did say Mattel officials were “wonderful partners” who granted her “trust and flexibility” with the Barbie brand.

She also acknowledged actor and producer Margot Robbie, as well as producer Tom Ackerley, for ensuring Gerwig’s vision was realised.

Barbie, which also stars Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, and others, will be released on July 21, 2023, alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

Warner Bros has scheduled a July 21, 2023 release date for the film.