Spooky Inspired Barbie Trailer Is a 'Misogynist's Nightmare'

Ahead of Halloween, creative agency Joint has launched an spooky inspired Barbie trailer depicting a misogynist’s nightmare. Algy Sharman, chief creative officer at Joint shares more about the project.

Q> Why did Joint create this?

Algy> At Joint, we always encourage our creative team to do fun stuff in and around our day jobs. This trailer is one of those things. Sometimes it’s nice to untether yourself from the brief in front of you, relax and think of something fun, with no real purpose or pressure besides flexing your creative muscle.

So, when one of our creatives Jess Grogan came to us with this idea, we thought it was great, and encouraged her to do it. A bit of editing and tinkering around, and ta da…Something fun to put into the world, courtesy of the internet.

Q> Could you explain the creative thinking / process?

Algy> I think all of us loved the message from the Barbie movie, as clearly the whole world did. The stats prove it too. To date it has grossed $1.434 billion globally, making it the highest grossing film of 2023, which is quite astounding.

However, a few people who watched the film amazingly still found the idea of empowered women terrifying. So turning Barbie into a horror movie trailer for misogynists, to highlight just how out of touch their views are, seemed like a natural response to this.

Q> What was the desired reaction?

Algy> Primarily, we just want people to enjoy it. We’re aiming to put a smile on people’s faces. Sometimes it’s just good to make stuff for the fun of it, that isn’t over-thought or intellectualised.

But if it also helps further normalise equality for all, then great!

Q> What was the target audience?

Algy> Anyone who thinks Piers Morgan is a t**t. So I guess that’s a pretty large target audience.

Q> Is there a bigger aim to the trailer (other than being amusing)? If so, what is it?

Algy> We like to think people come to Joint to make the best work of their lives. But we never said it has to be for specific clients. This film is just another expression of that mantra. For us, it was nice to work on something that wasn’t for a brand, but rather shows off the personality, humour and of course, creative work of everyone under our roof.

So there isn’t any bigger aim to the trailer. We hope people will enjoy watching it, perhaps it will make them think, perhaps it won’t. But hopefully it will be fifty seconds or so well spent.