It has been confirmed that Amy Schumer is no longer playing the title role of the upcoming live-action "Barbie" movie, which is produced by Sony Pictures. Because of a scheduling conflict, the comedienne had to give up the project.
"Sadly, I'm no longer able to commit to Barbie due to scheduling conflicts," Schumer said in a statement obtained by Variety. "The film has so much promise, and Sony and Mattel have been great partners. I'm bummed, but look forward to seeing Barbie on the big screen."
A spokesperson for Sony said in a statement obtained by the publication that they respect and support Schumer's decision. The spokesperson said they look forward to bringing the live-action "Barbie" movie to the world and sharing production and casting updates soon.
The live-action "Barbie" movie was expected to start production on June 23 and Sony had to stick to its June 29, 2018 release date because Mattel already has merchandise and product cycles in motion. Shifting the production to accommodate Schumer reportedly would have put on a strain on other partners on the project.
Represented by UTA, Carrie Byalick at B Company and Maverick Management, Schumer has a lengthy promotional tour for her new Fox action-comedy "Snatched," which opens on May 12, and a new project titled "Thank You for Your Service," which will open in October. She and Steve Carell are also set to film "She Came to Me" by Rebecca Miller.
The character to be played by Schumer in the live-action "Barbie" movie is kicked out from the Barbieland for not being perfect. Considering this, one of the best actresses to replace Schumer is "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 23 judge Ashley Graham.
As a body-image activist, Graham is a role model for women of all shapes and sizes. In 2016, she said on "The Ellen DeGeneres How" that she had "always been told plus-size starts at a size 8 and it goes up to a size 16/18."
Graham has yet to star in a film and the live-action "Barbie" movie would be not only an excellent acting debut project for her but also a great avenue for her as an advocate of several causes. Recently, she attended the celebration of Urban Arts Partnership Celebrates 25th Anniversary Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, Just Jared reported.
Get to know Graham more here: