Noah Baumbach Initially Thought "Barbie" Film with Greta Gerwig Was a "Terrible Idea" Despite its Success

Noah Baumbach Reveals Initial Resistance to "Barbie" Movie, Crediting Partner Greta Gerwig's Persistence and Initial Script Pages for Changing His Perspective on Script's Potential.

Despite initial resistance, Noah Baumbach eventually collaborated with his partner Greta Gerwig on the script for the 'Barbie' movie; he initially thought the project was a bad idea and doubted its potential.
Baumbach's primary concern was that Barbie did not have a clear character or story, implying there was no clear entry point into the project.
Baumbach's perspective on the project changed when Gerwig presented the first pages of the script she wrote, which involved Barbie waking up in her Dreamhouse and encountering someone who was sick and dying.
The process of writing the 'Barbie' script turned into a fun activity for the couple as they tried to amuse each other and one-up each other with jokes; it ultimately became one of their most enjoyable collaborations.
Baumbach acknowledges Gerwig's astute judgment, stating that if she believed in the project then there was something there, supporting her decision even amidst his doubts.
Despite Baumbach's initial reticence, the 'Barbie' film became a huge success, marking it as Warner Bros.' highest-earning theatrical release of all time and proving that it wasn't such a 'terrible idea' after all.