Move Over, Dream House: Barbie's Ready for the Cineplex

By Michael Y. Park

Thursday September 24, 2009 02:45 PM EDT

Barbie

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Model, pilot, veterinarian, astronaut and sometime-mermaid Barbara Millicent Roberts has been a star for nearly half a century. Now the famous blonde – better known as Barbie – is ready for her big-screen close-up.

Universal Studios has acquired the rights to make a live-action movie about the iconic doll, to be produced by the Laurence Mark, the man behind Jerry Maguire and Julie & Julia, according to the Hollywood Reporter. No word yet on casting.

There has long been a link between Barbie's world and real-life Hollywood.

Hilary Duff got her own likeness integrated into the Barbie line in 2006. And Barbie manufacturer Mattel introduced a Lindsay Lohan doll line in 2005.

Barbie, who has held up remarkably well over the years – call it plastic surgery – turns 50 this year.