Margot Robbie Allegedly Shut Down Blake Lively’s Attempt to Take Over ‘Barbie’

When Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was in its casting stages, many high-profile actresses were considered for various roles. Among them was Blake Lively, whose past work with America Ferrera in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants made her a strong contender. With her reputation as a Hollywood fashion icon and her bubbly on-screen presence, Lively seemed like a natural fit for the film’s nostalgic, feminist-driven ensemble. However, sources reveal that things behind the scenes did not go as Lively had planned.

Blake Lively’s Ambitions for a Bigger Role

Unlike other actresses who embraced Barbie as an ensemble piece celebrating diverse femininity, reports suggest that Lively had greater aspirations. Insiders claim she sought more creative control and aimed to expand her character beyond its initial scope. While stars like Margot Robbie, Dua Lipa, and Hari Nef accepted their roles as part of a larger collective, Lively allegedly pushed for script changes and more influence over her character’s development.

Lively has spoken in the past about her desire to have creative input beyond just acting, stating, “I don’t want to just be an actor. I want to be a part of the storytelling, the writing, the costume design—everything.” While this ambition has earned her respect in some circles, it reportedly clashed with the established vision of Barbie‘s production team.

Margot Robbie’s Firm Stance

As both the film’s lead and a producer through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, Margot Robbie played a key role in shaping Barbie. She was clear about fostering a collaborative and drama-free environment on set. According to sources, when Lively attempted to secure a larger role and exert creative influence, Robbie quickly shut down discussions. Talks reportedly never advanced beyond the early negotiation stages, as Robbie prioritized maintaining Gerwig’s original vision.

Robbie has spoken openly about her role as a producer, emphasizing that she did not need to be in the film to support it. “I told Greta, ‘I don’t have to be in the movie. I just want to make it happen,’” she shared in an interview. However, Gerwig ultimately wrote the role with Robbie in mind, solidifying her position as both lead and producer.

A Pattern of Creative Conflicts?

This is not the first time Lively has been accused of overstepping in a production. Insiders claim she exhibited similar behavior while working on It Ends With Us, reportedly clashing with director and co-star Justin Baldoni over script changes and creative decisions. The film, which was meant to be a career-defining moment for Lively, has instead faced behind-the-scenes turmoil, including legal disputes.

This pattern has allegedly led to industry figures distancing themselves from Lively. Her A Simple Favor co-star, Anna Kendrick, has reportedly requested to limit joint interviews for the upcoming sequel, while America Ferrera has not publicly mentioned Lively in years.

Did Margot Robbie Make the Right Call?

The absence of Lively from Barbie did not hinder the film’s success. The billion-dollar blockbuster was widely praised, with its ensemble cast perfectly complementing Gerwig’s vision. Not once did audiences feel the film was missing an additional star, indicating that Robbie’s decision to move forward without Lively was a wise one.

Hollywood operates on relationships, and how actors navigate their careers can determine their long-term success. Robbie has built a reputation as a strategic and respected producer, backing acclaimed projects without disrupting their creative integrity. Meanwhile, Lively’s approach of seeking more influence over productions may be backfiring, leading some industry insiders to hesitate before working with her.

With It Ends With Us facing backlash and Barbie thriving without her, the question remains: Is Blake Lively at risk of alienating herself in Hollywood? Only time will tell whether she adapts her strategy or continues to encounter pushback from industry power players like Margot Robbie.