Amidst the outrage over the casting of Amy Schumer in the lead role in highly anticipated "Barbie," Sony Pictures has revealed a new release date for the film. The live-action film will now arrive in theaters on June 29, 2018.
The movie was earlier set to be released on May 12, 2017. With the new release date, "Barbie" is expected to clash with a 20th Century Fox's mystery Marvel film, according to Coming Soon.
Sony chief Tom Rothman approached Schumer personally with the script of "Barbie," after which she emailed her consent for the project, Deadline reported. Amy Pascal, Walter F. Parkes, and Laurie Macdonald will produce the project while Lauren Abrahams will oversee it for Sony Pictures.
The screenplay was originally written by Hilary Winston of "Bad Teacher" TV series fame. "Barbie" will be the second collaboration between Sony Pictures and Mattel, which are currently developing a film adaptation of "Masters of the Universe" based on Mattel's popular action figures.
The movie is intended to be in the same vein as "Enchanted" and "Big" as the movie will follow the main character as she navigates the new world of adventure after being kicked out of her home in Barbieland for not being perfect enough. After her journey in the real world, she then realizes that true beauty comes from the inside and not from the outside.
Apart from starring in the movie, Schumer, along with her sister and writing partner Kim Caramele, will rewrite the script. The director for the film is currently being sought.
The announcement of the casting of Schumer in the live-action film is being met with mixed response in social media. While some internet users were perplexed why the not-so-Barbie figured actress has been cast to take the lead role, several others pointed out that it will lead to the promotion of unhealthy lifestyle among younger viewers.
Watch Schumer's performance from her hit "Trainwreck" below: