BARBIE Comes To Max With American Sign Language Version Available To Stream On December 15
Warner Bros. Pictures’ BARBIE will make its streaming debut on Max on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 at 12am PT/3am ET. BARBIE debuted in theaters on July 21 and broke records as the highest-grossing global release in the studio’s 100-year history.
Championing themes of inclusion from the film, Warner Bros. and Max have announced Barbie with ASL, the hit blockbuster film interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL), will be available to stream on Max on December 15. Grounded in research and feedback from the Deaf community, as well as counsel from community leaders, Barbie with ASL was produced for Max featuring ASL performer Leila Hanaumi (Deaf Austin Theatre’s “The Laramie Project,” ASL cover for Tove Lo in “True Romance” music video). Barbie with ASL will be displayed as a unique title in-app and can be identified by its key art with the sign language symbol.
To celebrate Barbie with ASL coming to the platform, Max will host a special community screening on December 14 in LA, where Barbie star and Oscar(R)-nominee, Margot Robbie (“Bombshell,” “I, Tonya”) will join Leila Hanaumi on stage for a post-screening conversation for hundreds of community members and Barbie fans. The event will be in collaboration with the esteemed Tony Award(R)-winning non-profit, Deaf West Theatre, a celebrated Deaf institution in Los Angeles for over 30 years, and RespectAbility, whose mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.
“Max is the premiere destination for storytelling, so being able to share the biggest movie of the year in ASL, the first language for many, will make this story resonate in a more meaningful way,” said Casey Bloys Chairman and CEO, HBO and Max Content. “By offering sign language interpretation, we will build upon the film’s empowering message of inclusiveness and offer a unique viewing experience for the Deaf community to enjoy with family and friends.”
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. From Academy Award-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”), BARBIE stars Oscar(R)-nominees Margot Robbie (“Bombshell,” “I, Tonya” “Promising Young Woman,” and “Saltburn”) and Ryan Gosling (“La La Land,” “Blade Runner 2049”) as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera (“Superstore,” “How to Train Your Dragon” films), Kate McKinnon (“Bombshell,” “Saturday Night Live”), Michael Cera (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Juno”), Ariana Greenblatt (“Avengers: Infinity War”), Issa Rae (HBO’s “Insecure”), Rhea Perlman (“I’ll See You in My Dreams,” “Matilda”), and Will Ferrell (“Anchorman” films, “Talladega Nights”). The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlan, Ritu Arya, GRAMMY(R)-winning singer/songwriter Dua Lipa and Oscar(R)-winner Helen Mirren.
The BARBIE film soundtrack has also been nominated for 11 GRAMMY(R) awards across seven categories, with four of the five nominated titles for Best Song Written for Visual Media appearing on the official movie soundtrack.
BARBIE is directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story,” “The Squid and the Whale”), based on Barbie by Mattel. Produced by Oscar nominee David Heyman (“Marriage Story,” “Gravity”), Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya,” “Promising Young Woman,” and “Saltburn”), Tom Ackerley (“I, Tonya,” “Promising Young Woman,” and “Saltburn”) and Robbie Brenner. Executive produced by Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams. Barbie with ASL is interpreted by Leila Hanaumi.
About Max
Max(R), which launched May 23, 2023, is an enhanced streaming platform from Warner Bros. Discovery, delivering unparalleled quality content for everyone in the household. With a personalized user experience that brings unique and unexpected stories ranging from the best of unscripted to the highest quality in scripted programming, Max is the destination for HBO Originals, Warner Bros. films, Max Originals, the DC universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an expansive offering of kids and family content, and best-in-class programing across food, home, reality, lifestyle, and documentaries from leading brands like HGTV, Food Network, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, TLC, ID and more, all in one place.
About Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. is a fully integrated entertainment company and a global leader in the creation, production, distribution, licensing and marketing of all forms of entertainment. A Warner Bros. Discovery company, the Studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry, from feature film, television, digital and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD and Blu-ray, animation, comic books, videogames, and product and brand licensing. The company’s vast library, one of the most prestigious and valuable in the world, consists of more than 145,000 hours of programming, including 12,500 feature films and 2,400 television programs comprised of more than 150,000 individual episodes.
Warner Bros. began when the brothers Warner (Albert, Sam, Harry and Jack L.) incorporated their fledgling movie company on April 4, 1923. In 1927, the release of the world’s first “talkie,” (synchronized-sound feature film), “The Jazz Singer,” set a character and tone of creativity, courage, innovation and influence that would become synonymous with the name Warner Bros. And–as Al Jolson foretold in this milestone movie–“you ain’t heard nothin’ yet!”
Since those early days, Warner Bros. Studios has amassed an impressive legacy based on world-class quality entertainment and technological foresight and created a diversified entertainment company with an unparalleled depth and breadth. Its century of continued success has been built on a foundation of long-term creative relationships with many of the world’s leading talent, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
About Deaf West Theatre
Founded in 1991 in Los Angeles, Deaf West Theatre, led by Artistic Director DJ Kurs and Managing Director Jeff Perri, is a Tony Award(R)-winning company blending American Sign Language with spoken English to create innovative, culturally rich theater experiences. Notable productions include the groundbreaking staging of Beethoven’s opera Fidelio with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Broadway productions of Spring Awakening and Big River. Building upon a commitment to bridging the Deaf and hearing worlds, their repertoire includes acclaimed musicals, plays and works. The company has been honored with a variety of national and international awards for its significant contributions to the cultural enrichment of the Deaf arts landscape. Visit deafwest.org to learn more.
About RespectAbility
RespectAbility is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities. We work to advance policies and practices in legislation, train future leaders, accurately highlight and employ disabled creators in media both in front and behind the camera, and ensure faith communities are inclusive. Our mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.
