Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Biopic you’re not allowed to see
Some media coverage of Barbie (2023) referenced a previous, unlicensed Barbie movie: Superstar – The Karen Carpenter Story (1987). Directed by Todd Haynes (who would go on to direct films including 2015’s Carol), the film uses Barbie dolls to tell the story of tragic popular musician Karen Carpenter, of The Carpenters. Since Mattel never authorised the use of the dolls, the full movie can only be viewed via unofficial uploads like this:
… and if it disappears from YouTube, the next best thing is Be Kind Rewind telling you all about it:
Further Viewing
A look at the myriad references director Greta Gerwig and co poured into Barbie (2023):