Barbie – History, the Film & Collectibles
Sixty-seven years on shelves, a film that took $1.4 billion, and a sequel that has stalled. Here is the history, what is actually happening, and what to choose.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
How it began, in 1959
Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, noticed something simple: her daughter played with paper dolls and gave them adult roles.
The toys of the era were almost all babies – girls "played mother". Handler thought they might also want to play their own future.
Barbie was unveiled on 9 March 1959, at the New York toy fair.
She was named after Handler's daughter, Barbara. Ken, who arrived two years later, after her son Kenneth.
The 2023 film
In July 2023, Greta Gerwig's film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling became a global phenomenon.
- $1.4 billion worldwide.
- Eight Academy Award nominations – it won Best Original Song, "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish.
- The "Barbenheimer" phenomenon, from its simultaneous release with Oppenheimer.
Why this matters commercially: the film did not simply lift sales. It brought an adult audience into the category and made pink fashionable. Products that had been strictly for children – t-shirts, accessories, homeware – suddenly had buyers in their twenties and thirties.
What is happening with the sequel
As of August 2026, the answer is: it is complicated.
Warner Bros. has until the end of 2026 to reach deals with Gerwig, Robbie and Gosling. If it does not, the rights revert to Mattel.
Negotiations have run for months. And most tellingly: not a page of the script has been written. Gerwig and Noah Baumbach have an idea, but will not write until a deal is closed.
None of the three had signed sequel commitments when the first film was made – unusual for a production of that size.
The situation may change over the coming months. We update this guide whenever there is official news.
The two hundred careers
Since 1959, Barbie has been released in more than two hundred professions: doctor, astronaut, pilot, judge, scientist, athlete, presidential candidate.
She was an astronaut in 1965 – four years before a human set foot on the moon.
Practically, for gifts: it means there is almost always a Barbie that fits the particular child – whatever they are interested in. It is the easiest franchise to buy a targeted gift from.
What to choose
- Dolls: the core product – in dozens of variations and professions.
- Sets & houses: the Dreamhouse and smaller sets with furniture and accessories.
- Vehicles: cars, campervans and boats.
- Collector lines: editions for adult collectors, in special packaging.
- Apparel & accessories: t-shirts, bags, jewellery – for adults too.
Gift guide
Look for the Barbie in that profession – there are over two hundred.
A set or vehicle – it gives a new way to play with what they own.
A collector edition or an accessory – the film made pink acceptable everywhere.
Small accessory sets, keyrings, mugs.
Frequently asked questions
- When was Barbie created?
- She was unveiled on 9 March 1959 by Ruth Handler of Mattel. She was named after Handler's daughter Barbara – and Ken after her son Kenneth.
- Will there be a second film?
- It is uncertain. Warner Bros. has until the end of 2026 to reach deals with the director and lead actors – otherwise the rights revert to Mattel. No script has been written yet.
- How successful was the film?
- It took $1.4 billion and received eight Academy Award nominations, winning Best Original Song. It became a cultural phenomenon.
- What age are they for?
- The dolls generally suit children from 3 upwards – check the packaging marking, as accessories include small parts. Collector editions are for adults.
- Where can I find Barbie in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
