Kim Kardashian Reportedly Up for Bratz Movie Villain Role at Amazon MGM
Reality star, businesswoman, and increasingly, actress Kim Kardashian is reportedly in contention for a starring role as the villain in Amazon MGM’s upcoming live-action Bratz movie. Sources indicate she is also attached to produce the film.
This potential casting comes as Amazon MGM secured the rights to the popular doll franchise after a competitive bidding war, with clear aspirations to replicate the massive box office success seen with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, which earned an astounding $1.44 billion worldwide in 2023.
Hollywood’s Toy Story: The Post-Barbie Boom
The development of a new Bratz film is a significant indicator of a wider trend sweeping Hollywood, catalyzed by Barbie‘s cultural and financial phenomenon. Studios are actively mining beloved children’s toy properties for big-screen adaptations. Projects based on iconic brands like Hot Wheels, Barney, Polly Pocket, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots are already in various stages of development across different studios.
Behind the Bratz Movie Production
While specific plot details and additional cast members for the Bratz movie remain under wraps, key personnel are already attached. The script is being penned by Charlie Polinger and Lucy McKendrick. The production team includes Erik Feig and Julia Hammer producing for Picturestart, alongside Kim Kardashian, and Jason and Jasmin Larian representing MGA Entertainment, the company behind the Bratz brand. Isaac Larian, MGA’s founder and CEO, is set to serve as an executive producer. Reports suggest that Amazon MGM winning the rights package was partly influenced by a strong existing relationship with Kardashian, following their acquisition of another thriller project she is starring in.
The Bratz Legacy: Dolls, Screen, and Social Media Power
Since launching in 2001, Bratz has sold over 200 million dolls globally. According to Amazon MGM, the brand also boasts the highest social media engagement across all platforms compared to any other toy brand, highlighting its significant contemporary relevance.
However, bringing the Bratz world to live-action film isn’t without its challenges. The franchise previously saw a live-action adaptation with the 2007 film Bratz: The Movie, which reportedly underperformed at the box office despite featuring core characters like Cloe, Yasmin, Jade, and Sasha. Despite the previous movie’s fate, Bratz has been successfully adapted into numerous animated TV series and video games over the years. The question remains whether the brand’s strong social media presence today can translate into blockbuster ticket sales this time around.
Kardashian’s Expanding Acting & Producing Portfolio
Known globally for Keeping Up With the Kardashians and her successful Skims brand, Kim Kardashian has been steadily building her resume in scripted entertainment. She recently garnered attention for her role in the twelfth season of FX’s anthology series American Horror Story: Delicate. Her voice can also be heard in two PAW Patrol animated movies.
Looking ahead, Kardashian is set to lead the Netflix comedy film The Fifth Wheel, directed by Eva Longoria, where she’ll play a “hot outsider” crashing a friends’ trip to Vegas. She also has a role in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming Hulu legal drama series All Is Fair and is attached to star in and produce the satirical comedy Group Chat for Hulu, based on La La Anthony’s book. Her reported interest in the Bratz villain role and production credit further solidifies her push into the film industry.
A Family Connection: Kylie Jenner’s Bratz Collaboration
Interestingly, Kim isn’t the first member of the Kardashian-Jenner family to collaborate directly with the Bratz brand. In August 2023, her sister, Kylie Jenner, launched a special collection of Bratz fashion dolls. This marked the first time Bratz had partnered with a celebrity for a doll collection, featuring dolls designed in Jenner’s likeness and showcasing specific iconic outfits she has worn, including a Met Gala look and a Mugler gown. MGA CEO Isaac Larian noted the collaboration introduced a “contemporary style icon” into the “Bratz Pack,” exploring the idea of a “modern Bratz girl.” This existing connection adds another layer of intrigue to Kim Kardashian’s potential involvement in the movie.
As the Bratz live-action film moves forward under Amazon MGM, Kim Kardashian’s potential casting as the villain is set to generate significant buzz, positioning the project as one to watch in the evolving landscape of toy-to-screen adaptations.
References
- variety.com
- deadline.com
- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65351413/?ref=nwcart_perm”>www.imdb.com
- www.vibe.com
- people.com
