Hey Mattel! – The Barbie Movie Effect
The Barbie Movie has been one of the most culturally significant moments in the past few years. Working in tandem with the equally exceptional Oppenheimer, the films have signified the resurgence of cinema and movie theaters and the true power social media can hold. Barbie has grossed nearly $1.4 billion in the box office, making it Warner Bros. highest grossing film of all time, and experts predict that number could reach up to $2 billion.
One of the major benefactors of the movie has been Mattel, the company who owns the “Barbie” brand. However, this isn’t by mistake at all, and in fact an elaborate idea from CEO Ynon Kreiz when he arrived at the company in 2018. Wanting to create a feature film with Barbie, the strategy of using its toys as intellectual property was unorthodox and had many in the movie industry skeptical because it seemed foolish to produce a large movie around it. Through the support of a creative team that included names like Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, Mattel’s risk taking ended up paying off, and has now opened a new path in the movie industry. Going as far as allowing his own character to be a laughingstock, Kreiz’s ambition has allowed Mattel to bring in upwards of $125 million due to a clause allowing them to get 5 percent of the box office revenue. Ever since the first trailer was released, Mattel’s share price is up 33 percent, marking a major win for the business, and it goes to show how far unique ideas can take companies in the modern day.
Want to learn how to invest? Download the Invstr app, where you can play Fantasy Finance and manage a virtual investment portfolio or open a brokerage account and invest for real. Take our interactive investing course on Invstr Academy and become a better investor today!
I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.
