Creating a film based on a toy line can yield significant profits, as demonstrated by the success of the “Transformers” movies. Despite initial skepticism surrounding the idea of building a franchise around LEGO bricks, the LEGO movies have received both financial success and critical acclaim. While there have been failures like “Battleship” and numerous toy-based movies that never took off, having a toy tie-in provides a solid foundation. This holds especially true when the film centers around the most iconic toy ever created.
Introducing “Barbie,” a live-action narrative featuring a doll that is adored yet controversial. The development of a “Barbie” movie has been in progress for a considerable time, with various actresses like Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway being associated with the project along the way. Now, “Barbie” is on the horizon, and the final product appears truly remarkable—a vibrant delight for the senses, defying expectations. We have great confidence that “Barbie” will rank among the finest films of 2023, largely due to its exceptional cast and the immensely talented director leading the production. To discover more about this forthcoming masterpiece of ingeniously silly yet intelligent filmmaking, continue reading for the latest information on 2023’s “Barbie.”
What is the plot of the Barbie movie?
In regards to the movie’s storyline, the official “Barbie” website offers a concise yet intriguing synopsis: “In Barbie Land, perfection reigns supreme, except for those who experience a full-blown existential crisis or happen to be Ken.” Regrettably, our perpetually cheerful protagonist finds herself in the midst of the aforementioned crisis. The film’s trailer unveils the unraveling of her idyllic existence. A sudden surge of cold water disrupts her previously flawless morning shower. Instead of gracefully descending from the rooftop into her adorable Barbie car, she plummets unceremoniously to the ground. To her dismay, her feet no longer elegantly mold into the shape of high-heeled shoes; rather, they rest flatly upon the ground—a truly horrifying ordeal.
However, the most distressing development is Barbie’s unexpected preoccupation with mortality. In her quest to unravel life’s profound mysteries, she resolves to venture beyond the confines of Barbie Land, accompanied by a concealed Ken. Unfortunately, this decision does not sit well with the executives at Mattel, the company responsible for Barbie toys. As our fair-haired heroine departs from Barbie Land, these corporate figures spare no effort to track her down. Will they succeed in returning her to the packaging before Barbie can uncover the meaning of her existence?
When will Barbie movie be released?
For movie enthusiasts, July 21 is undoubtedly a date that holds great significance. It stands out as the most momentous day of 2023, and there’s a compelling reason behind it. On this day, two extraordinary films will be released simultaneously, vying for supremacy at the box office. “Barbie” will grace the screens with its vibrant and eccentric comedy, while Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” will present a somber and weighty biopic. Whether one film surpasses the other in terms of success, it’s a definite win-win situation for cinema lovers, as both movies appear to be exceptionally outstanding.
Barbie Main Trailer
The trailers for “Barbie” have been nothing short of spectacular. The initial teaser paid homage to “2001: A Space Odyssey” in a hilariously clever way. A group of little girls abandons their baby dolls when a towering Barbie emerges as a substitute for the enigmatic monolith from “2001.” The second trailer took the madness to new heights, featuring the infectious tunes of the Beach Boys, the vibrant pink palette of Barbie Land, and every character greeting our effervescent blonde protagonist with a cheerful “Hi, Barbie!”
However, it is the film’s official trailer that truly encapsulates the storyline, exposing the fractures in Barbie’s seemingly flawless life. Plagued by contemplations of mortality, Barbie faces a “Matrix”-esque choice offered by Kate McKinnon’s character. She must decide between the high-heeled shoe, symbolizing her familiar existence, or the sandal, representing a journey of exploration. After some gentle persuasion, Barbie embarks on a visually striking odyssey to the real world, accompanied by Ken.
As expected, the real world proves to be no walk in the park, as depicted in the trailer. Mattel executives relentlessly pursue Barbie, the children she encounters remain unimpressed, and she even finds herself behind bars. Nevertheless, as Barbie searches for purpose, her unwavering hope shines through. The trailer promises that this whimsical comedy will venture into profound territories, as one wise character imparts to Barbie, “Humans may have only one ending, but ideas live on forever.”
Who is writing Barbie?
“Greta Gerwig takes the director’s seat for the third time with ‘Barbie,’ solidifying her status as one of the most captivating filmmakers in Hollywood. Her directorial debut came with ‘Lady Bird,’ a poignant coming-of-age dramedy starring Saoirse Ronan, which received numerous Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, earning Gerwig accolades. She later joined forces with Ronan again for a beloved adaptation of ‘Little Women,’ which garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay and a Best Picture nod.
In short, when Gerwig is involved in a project, you can expect nothing short of brilliance—even with a seemingly outlandish concept like ‘Barbie.’ During an appearance on Dua Lipa’s podcast, ‘At Your Service,’ Gerwig shared her experience working on the upcoming film, confessing, ‘It was terrifying… That feeling I had was knowing that it would be truly interesting terror. Often, that’s where the magic happens… Anything that feels like it could potentially end a career, then you think, ‘Okay, I probably should do it.”
Gerwig is also co-writing the script with Noah Baumbach, her romantic partner. Like Gerwig, Baumbach is a highly esteemed director, renowned for his works such as ‘The Squid and the Whale’ and ‘Marriage Story.’ The duo has previously collaborated on projects such as ‘Frances Ha,’ ‘White Noise,’ and ‘Mistress America,’ cementing their creative partnership in the world of cinema.”
Who are the actors starring in the Barbie movie?
“Barbie” boasts an exceptional ensemble cast that is truly remarkable. Leading the pack is Margot Robbie, who flawlessly embodies the titular doll, thanks to her striking resemblance to Barbie. Robbie’s remarkable versatility, demonstrated in projects such as “The Suicide Squad,” “I, Tonya,” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” ensures that her portrayal of the iconic character will be refreshingly distinct.
Of course, no Barbie story is complete without Ken, and Ryan Gosling steps into the role of the charming blonde companion. Like a living, breathing Ken doll, Gosling perfectly embodies the character’s appearance. While he excels at portraying brooding and introspective individuals, as seen in “Drive,” he also demonstrates exceptional comedic prowess, as exemplified in “The Nice Guys.”
The remaining cast members contribute to the film’s tremendous humor. Most of the actresses portray different incarnations of Barbie, while the actors take on various versions of Ken. For instance, Issa Rae, Emma Mackey, Dua Lipa, Alexandra Shipp, Ana Cruz Kayne, Nicola Coughlan, Kate McKinnon, Hari Nef, Ritu Arya, and Sharon Ronney all bring their unique flair to the role of Barbie, each with distinct titles and wardrobes. Rae embodies President Barbie, Arya portrays a Pulitzer Prize-winning Barbie, and Lipa transforms into Mermaid Barbie.
As for the multitude of Kens, who are essentially interchangeable, we have Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, and Scott Evans. Adding a touch of eccentricity, Michael Cera, known for his role in “Arrested Development,” resides in Barbie Land as Allan, a character based on a discontinued 1960s toy that was intended to be Ken’s best friend. Similarly, the talented Oscar-winning screenwriter Emerald Fennell takes on the role of Midge, another lesser-known toy who was canonically married to Allan at one point.
But wait, the cast doesn’t end there. Will Ferrell portrays the CEO of Mattel, while Helen Mirren lends her captivating voice as the movie’s narrator. Non-doll characters are portrayed by America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Jamie Demetriou, and Connor Swindells. Rhea Perlman, famous for her role in “Cheers,” makes an appearance, and the renowned wrestler-turned-actor John Cena graces “Barbie” as a merman. The star-studded ensemble guarantees an unforgettable and entertaining experience.
What rating will the Barbie movie receive?
Warner Bros.
“Barbie” has been granted a PG-13 rating by the Motion Pictures Association, striking a balance between a G rating for all ages and an R rating. The film’s classification is due to “suggestive references and brief language.” This rating aligns with the movie’s intention to appeal to a broad audience, as hinted by its trailers. The content that contributed to the rating includes double entendres, light adult humor, and instances of sexist behavior by some male characters. Consequently, while “Barbie” may not be suitable for the youngest viewers, it is deemed appropriate for individuals aged 13 and above.
The Pink Skies
Barbie and the color pink are an iconic duo. However, achieving the perfect shade of pink for the “Barbie” movie was no small feat for production design and set decorator collaborators Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer. They needed pinks that would capture the dreamlike essence of Barbie’s world and convey the playful, tactile nature of her “real” life.
The search for the ideal pink was a monumental task. “Dealing with the painters, mixing the right colors, it was epic,” Greenwood shared with IndieWire. After narrowing down from 100 different pinks, they settled on a curated range of 10 hues to shape the film’s aesthetic. Director of photography Rodrigo Prieto, known for his work on films like “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Irishman,” was affectionately dubbed “Rodrigo at his pinkest” by Greenwood. The color palette for the film was named “Techni Barbie,” inspired by the vibrant Technicolor film processes popularized by classics such as “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Red Shoes.”
Prieto’s expertise in capturing vibrant visuals across various film styles was put to use in the “Barbie” movie. “We wanted to create a distinct look for Barbie and her world, setting it apart from the real world,” Prieto explained to Vogue. While the glimpses of the “real” world in the film may be brief, one thing is certain—when Barbie ventures into that realm, she leaves behind the pink landscapes of Kansas and enters a different visual realm altogether.
The Barbie Dreamhouse
The Barbie Dreamhouse is an iconic residence, and the creative team behind the “Barbie” movie has taken it to new heights of splendor and pink extravagance. Production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer drew inspiration from midcentury modern mansions, real-life toys, and a range of references provided by director Gerwig, including the vibrant whimsy of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and the pastel-infused fantasy of “An American in Paris,” as reported by Architectural Digest. The outcome is a Dreamhouse that melds the aesthetics of “Mad Men” with the boldness of Nicki Minaj.
The design of the Dreamhouse takes cues from the renowned “Kaufmann House,” an architectural masterpiece in Palm Springs designed by Richard Neutra in 1946. While Neutra’s work typically embraces neutral hues, Greenwood and Spencer had a unique directive: to embrace pink. Their extensive use of pink paint even caused a global shortage. However, not all of the paint was applied to the Dreamhouse itself. The hand-painted backdrops that surround Barbie Land, eschewing CGI, were created to uphold what Gerwig describes as the “authentic artificiality” that characterizes Barbie’s world.
The Dreamhouse brims with vibrant colors and playful details reminiscent of toys. Even Barbie’s closet exhibits a deliberate resemblance to the packaging of separately sold clothes. However, a quick glance at Barbie’s cinematic abode reveals that living a seemingly “perfect” life comes at a cost. Gerwig explains to Architectural Digest, “Dreamhouses assume that you never have anything you wish was private. There is no place to hide.”
Music
In order to have a spectacular party with choreographed dances and a specially crafted song every night in Barbie Land, a sensational soundtrack is a must. The lineup of artists contributing to the “Barbie” movie soundtrack is nothing short of extraordinary. So far, the confirmed artists include Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Lizzo, Kid LAROI, HAIM, Charlie XCX, Tame Impala, Ava Max, Dominic Fike, KAROL G, PinkPantheress, Khalid, and FIFTY FIFTY, all bringing their pink and powerful presence to the music. And who knows, we might even get more of Aqua beyond the teaser in the movie trailer.
Taking charge as the executive producer of the album is hitmaker Mark Ronson, who personally reached out to Dua Lipa to collaborate on a song for a significant scene in the movie. In an Instagram post, Ronson revealed that he DM’d Dua Lipa, describing the movie as “hilarious” and requesting her involvement. Dua’s song will set the stage for a grand dance scene featuring 60 performers. The track “Dance the Night” also has its own music video, with a special cameo appearance by Greta Gerwig.
While the “Barbie News”-themed cover of “Barbie the Album” promises the announcement of “more Barbies and Kens,” there’s one particular Ken we’re eagerly anticipating—none other than the ultimate embodiment of Ken, Ryan Gosling. While this may come as a surprise to some of Gosling’s fans, others might already be familiar with his musical talents showcased in films like “La La Land” and “Lars and the Real Girl,” as well as his previous band Dead Man’s Bones. Gosling has certainly come a long way from his days on the “Mickey Mouse Club,” even if his Ken costumes may suggest otherwise.
The cool Barbiemobile
Barbie and Batman share several similarities: names starting with “B,” immense wealth and style, their own unique “superpowers,” the ability to leap from tall buildings, and the absence of parents. It’s only natural that they also have similar automotive tastes. In fact, the designers behind Robert Pattinson’s Batmobile for “The Batman” also crafted the Dream Car for the “Barbie” movie.
During a CinemaCon panel, Greta Gerwig revealed, “All of the people who made the action vehicles had just finished making like the Batmobile. They were so psyched to get that pink paint out. ‘We’re gonna top the Batmobile.’ I was like, ‘Let’s do it.'” While this collaboration sparks our hopes for a wave of street-legal hot pink Batmobiles, it’s unlikely to happen unless there’s a potential tie-in for an electric real-life Barbie car.
Barbie’s movie vehicle is a custom pink electric Corvette. Keen-eyed viewers of the “Barbie” trailers may notice an electric charging port and a blue-highlighted “EV” in the “Chevrolet” logo on the Dream Car’s side. When approached by Fox News about the possibility of real-life Barbie cars, Chevrolet responded, “Barbie and Corvette have had a long-standing relationship, and we’re excited to build on that in the ‘Barbie’ movie. More to come on this and some other surprises.” Furthermore, according to Autoevolution, GM has confirmed that electric Corvettes are slated for release in the near future, so why not have some of them adorned in pretty pink?
Ryan Gosling’s energy
With each interview, Ryan Gosling’s revelations about his role as Ken in the “Barbie” movie keep getting better. Despite Ken’s simple job description in the film as “just beach,” Gosling initially struggled to grasp his character’s essence. Speaking at CinemaCon, he confessed to Entertainment Weekly, “I only knew Ken from afar. I didn’t know Ken from within, and if I’m being really honest, I doubted my Kenergy.”
However, Gosling credited Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig for helping him unlock his inner Ken. “They conjured this out of me somehow,” he explained. “It was like I was living my life, and then one day I was bleaching my hair, shaving my legs, wearing bespoke neon outfits, and rollerblading down Venice Beach.” Reflecting on Robbie’s contribution to his portrayal, Gosling shared with CNN, “She left a pink present with a pink bow, from Barbie to Ken, every day while we were filming. They were all beach-related, like puka shells or a sign that says ‘Pray for surf.'”
While Gerwig and Robbie helped Gosling tap into Ken’s mindset, the physical transformation was a challenge he faced with his trainer. When asked by Entertainment Tonight about the movie that required him to be the most physically fit, Gosling momentarily drifts off, recollecting his workouts, before responding, “Yeah…that Ken life is even harder than ‘The Gray Man’ life, I think.”
Memes
Barbie’s iconic status extends to the “Barbie” movie marketing team, who are making an effort to make fans feel just as legendary as the film’s leading lady. The team has already created two viral memes that have taken the internet by storm.
The Barbie Selfie Generator is an AI-powered tool that allows fans to insert their own photos into a Mattel-inspired starburst, enabling them to radiate the same dazzling smile as any “Barbie” actor. Users also have the option to create a personalized Barbie tagline, adding an extra touch of glamour. Numerous celebrities have embraced the filter, with Zooey Deschanel even using it to create a Barbie selfie for her beloved “New Girl” character, Jessica Day. Deschanel shared her Barbie Selfie on Instagram with the tagline “This Barbie is breaking for birds.”
Alongside the selfie filter, a fan art meme has emerged, inspired by Barbie and Ken’s mugshots featured in the movie trailer. Artists have been drawing their favorite fictional couples from other pop culture realms as Barbie and Ken, resulting in a delightful crossover phenomenon. This meme has gained tremendous popularity and shows no signs of slowing down, particularly resonating with anime enthusiasts, as reported by Polygon. The creativity and imagination behind these fan art creations continue to captivate audiences.
The Barbiecore Trend
Prior to the release of the “Barbie” movie, its iconic aesthetic, both in the film and the doll itself, sparked a fashion trend known as “Barbiecore.” This trend embraces vibrant, neon pink hues and a playful, whimsical style that embraces frills, feminine energy, and everything toy-like and fabulous.
A quick search of “Barbiecore” on TikTok reveals countless views on posts showcasing outfits bursting with pink. From pastels to shimmers, magentas to neon shades, the possibilities for incorporating pink are limitless. According to Vogue, the Barbiecore look has even made its way onto fashion runways, with Versace showcasing sparkling and movie-ready ensembles. Capitalizing on the sudden interest in Barbiecore, tourism boards are seizing the opportunity, such as California’s “Barbiecore Tour Through California” campaign that offers a touch of ’60s-inspired style to those who crave their pink fix.
Interestingly, some manifestations of Barbiecore are directly influenced by the meta-world of the movie itself. When Barbie and Ken venture from Barbie Land to the “real” world, they skate through Venice Beach on rollerblades inspired by the iconic blades seen on ’90s Barbies. Impala Skate is releasing matching skates and pads that replicate the ones worn by Barbie and Ken in the film. Soon, Barbie and Ken enthusiasts can live their own plastic and fantastical Barbiecore lifestyle by acquiring their own gear—provided they haven’t already sold out.
Cena Joins Cast as Merman
The cast of the “Barbie” movie is already impressive, but there’s always room for more Barbies and Kens on set. Filming took place in the UK, in close proximity to the production of “Fast X.” Margot Robbie, in an interview with Total Film (via Slash Film), revealed that some famous visitors from the “Fast & Furious” franchise would come over to the Barbie set to take a look. “Our crew consisted of incredibly talented individuals who have worked on some of the greatest sets in the world, and they were moved by what they saw. Everyone was filled with excitement,” Robbie said.
John Cena, known for his role as Jakob Toretto in the “Fast” franchise, was one of the notable visitors on the Barbie set. Being friends with Robbie, Cena had initially auditioned for a role in “Barbie” through the standard process. Although he didn’t receive a callback from the casting directors, Robbie personally offered him a part.
“It was a fortunate coincidence,” Cena mentioned on the “Today Show” (via Yahoo), “And I believe that ‘Barbie’ and ‘Fast X’ share many similarities. Both movies have incredible casts, with amazing talent.” Now, the “Barbie” cast has become even more extraordinary, as Cena will be portraying a merman in the film. It’s a good thing that Robbie, like all Torettos, values the importance of family.
Will Ferrell
In the film, Will Ferrell takes on the role of the CEO of Mattel, portraying a character who initially appears to be the movie’s antagonist. While Ferrell isn’t unfamiliar with playing CEO characters, he brings his unique touch to these slightly villainous institutional figures, often bending the rules of reality while dressed in a suit and tie.
In “The LEGO Movie,” Ferrell portrays a dad who struggles to understand his child, until the power of play, embodied by his kid and LEGOs, reminds him of its importance. Interestingly, his attire in “Barbie” closely resembles that of “The LEGO Movie,” albeit with a pink tie. This similarity in costumes suggests a potential thematic connection between the two movies.
Furthermore, Ferrell has also portrayed the wildly imaginative (albeit rigid and rude) fashion designer overlord, Mugatu, in the comedic film “Zoolander.” Whether dressed in sophisticated suits or donning the unconventional “derelicte” fashion, Ferrell excels at portraying over-the-top yet relatable characters. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal (via People), Ferrell expressed his enthusiasm for “Barbie,” describing it as both a loving tribute to the brand and a sharp satire. He mentioned that the film offers thought-provoking commentary on male patriarchy, women in society, and the enduring appeal of Barbie despite the criticism it receives.
Issa Rae Embraces Leadership and Positive Vibes on “Barbie” Set
Issa Rae, renowned as a writer, director, actor, and producer, assumes the role of President Barbie in the “Barbie” film. Having achieved success through her acclaimed works like “Insecure” and “Rap Sh!t,” Rae is well-versed in creating impactful pop culture and embodying effective leadership. She openly commends the positive atmosphere and strong leadership on the set of the “Barbie” movie.
According to Rae’s remarks to PopSugar, the entire crew on set exuded an amazing vibe and were delightful to work with. She attributes this to the exemplary leadership at the helm. Both the lead and the director, who happen to be women—an aspect Rae emphasizes—are not only incredibly talented but also remarkable individuals who fostered a comforting environment.
Initially, Rae wasn’t completely sold on Greta Gerwig’s concept for the Barbie movie; it was the director’s enthusiasm that initially caught her attention. However, upon reading the script, she confesses to The Hollywood Reporter, “Oh my God, I love her even more.” The actual filming process proved to be an incredible and cherished experience for Rae, ranking among her personal favorites.
A Philosophical Journey
Leading up to its release, the details surrounding the “Barbie” movie have been kept mostly under wraps. However, it is evident that the film aims to deliver a magical and existential tale that appeals to both children and adults. Greta Gerwig, along with the cast and crew, has playfully teased that “Barbie” will defy expectations, or perhaps fulfill them in unexpected ways. Amidst this playful secrecy, Gerwig has shed light on some of her philosophical inspirations, which include a visit to Mattel and an old book.
During her visit to Mattel, Gerwig encountered a multitude of Barbie dolls and realized that each one represented Barbie herself, and by extension, everyone. This philosophical realization intrigued Gerwig, as it offered an expansive concept of self that could be embraced by all. Reflecting on this experience, Gerwig expressed her fascination in an interview with Vogue.
Additionally, Gerwig mentioned a parenting guidebook from her childhood, titled “Reviving Ophelia,” which resurfaced as she worked on the “Barbie” screenplay. The book explores the challenges of raising teenage girls and the potential struggles with depression during the transformative phase of adolescence. Gerwig drew a parallel between the experiences described in the book and Barbie’s journey, noting the similarity in feelings of self-doubt and the notion of not being good enough. This connection between the two resonated with Gerwig, as it touched upon the theme of Barbie contemplating her own mortality.
The combination of Gerwig’s encounter with the diverse Barbie dolls and her reflection on the adolescent experiences highlighted in “Reviving Ophelia” has contributed to the philosophical underpinnings of the “Barbie” movie, offering a thought-provoking exploration of identity and self-discovery.
Margot Robbie wasn’t Margot Robbie’s first choice for Barbie
Barbie’s journey to the big screen has seen various developments over time. Initially, Amy Schumer was set to star in the film, followed by Anne Hathaway being attached to the project. However, Margot Robbie and her production company, LuckyChap, eventually acquired the rights. While one might assume that Robbie, being an iconic blonde herself, would naturally choose to portray the iconic blonde doll, she actually had someone else in mind.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Robbie explains that LuckyChap was not established as a vehicle for her own stardom. Their aim was to empower female stories and storytellers in the industry, and Robbie recognized that her on-screen presence wasn’t necessary for that mission. Consequently, she initially believed that Gal Gadot would be a perfect fit for the role of Barbie—an embodiment of beauty, sweetness, and unwavering sincerity.
In an interview with Vogue, Robbie describes Gadot as having the energy of Barbie. She admires Gadot’s genuine sincerity and enthusiastic kindness to the point of it being endearingly dorky—a quality that resonates with Barbie’s character. While it remains unknown how Gadot felt about missing out on the role to Robbie, there’s always potential for a crossover film in the style of “LEGO Batman Movie” that combines Barbie and Wonder Woman, both residing in our hearts and available on our streaming devices.
Love and Hate Unite
The upcoming “Barbie” movie boldly declares, “If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you.” Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig understand the mixed sentiments surrounding the iconic toy. Barbie holds immense cultural significance, representing both empowerment, adventure, and acceptance, as well as body image concerns, unattainable beauty standards, and perceived shallowness. Robbie and Gerwig aim to explore all aspects of this polarizing figure in their film.
Acknowledging the existence of Barbie’s detractors, Robbie emphasizes the need to address their concerns. In an interview with Vogue, she acknowledges that there are people who actively dislike and have genuine issues with Barbie. The creative team recognizes the importance of finding a way to acknowledge and navigate these contrasting perspectives.
While the precise approach to depicting Barbie’s less glamorous aspects remains undisclosed, the hints and statements provided by the cast and creators generate intrigue and optimism. The creative team’s playful engagement with the press, including teasing and even dolls inspired by themselves, reflects a spirited sense of playfulness that reignites the childlike wonder in audiences. The “Barbie” movie promises to embrace the complexity of the character, capturing both adoration and criticism, and inviting viewers of all backgrounds to rediscover the joy of imaginative play.