Margot Robbie Will Be The Female Lead In Sci-Fi Blockbuster Remake 50 Foot Woman, But The Project Is Facing Major Difficulties

A new Margot Robbie project always generates excitement—and when it’s tied to a cult-favorite sci-fi classic and a visionary director, the buzz is impossible to ignore. In this case, Robbie has been tapped to star in a remake of the 1958 science fiction film Attack of the 50 Foot Woman—but before fans get too excited, there’s one big caveat: the project isn’t officially greenlit yet. Despite the strong talent attached, including director Tim Burton and author Gillian Flynn, the film still faces several development hurdles.

That being said, if this film gets off the ground, it could be one of the most talked-about science fiction movies of the decade. Here’s everything we know so far about Margot Robbie’s sci-fi remake, what makes it so promising, and what obstacles it still needs to overcome.

Margot Robbie’s Box Office Power: Not Always Predictable, But Unquestionably Valuable

In the wake of Barbie‘s billion-dollar success, Margot Robbie has cemented herself as a major force in Hollywood. The global popularity of the 2023 film can largely be credited to her pitch-perfect performance and producer instincts. Without her, Barbie likely wouldn’t have achieved its status as one of the most commercially successful movies in recent history.

However, Robbie’s box office history isn’t flawless. Films like Amsterdam and Babylon—though ambitious and stylistically bold—underperformed critically and commercially. These projects proved that Margot Robbie’s star power, while significant, doesn’t guarantee success on its own. That said, when paired with the right concept, director, and script, she has shown she can lead major blockbusters with universal appeal.

That balance of risk and reward is exactly what makes this upcoming sci-fi remake so intriguing. It’s a bold, retro-inspired idea that could either soar or stumble—depending largely on timing, tone, and execution.

Tim Burton Could Be the Perfect Fit to Direct a 50-Foot-Woman

One of the most exciting aspects of this remake is the involvement of Tim Burton. Known for his quirky, gothic, and often nostalgic filmmaking style, Burton has a long history of reimagining genre works for modern audiences. From Mars Attacks!—his satirical tribute to 1950s alien-invasion films—to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Wednesday, Burton knows how to blend the bizarre with the entertaining.

The concept of a 50-foot-tall woman wreaking havoc across a city fits seamlessly into Burton’s wheelhouse. He’s no stranger to oversized characters, absurd situations, and visual spectacle. With his creative direction, the remake could find the perfect balance between honoring its 1950s roots and appealing to contemporary audiences.

However, there’s still one major variable: Burton’s availability. Following the success of Wednesday season 2 and the Beetlejuice sequel, he may already be committed to other projects. If production is delayed due to scripting or casting issues, Burton’s schedule could become a significant obstacle.

Attack of the 50 Foot Woman: A Classic That’s Ripe for Reinvention

Originally released in 1958, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman tells the story of Nancy Archer, a wealthy but troubled woman who encounters a mysterious alien and grows to an enormous size due to radiation exposure. Fueled by rage and betrayal, she seeks revenge on her unfaithful husband and those who wronged her.

The original film became a cult classic, not necessarily for its special effects or storytelling—both of which were limited by the era—but for its themes of empowerment, emotional repression, and spectacle. A modern remake offers the chance to explore these ideas more deeply, especially with a capable screenwriter and a leading actress who can bring both drama and charisma to the role.

Enter Gillian Flynn, best known for Gone Girl, who initially penned a draft for the new adaptation. Flynn’s reputation for complex female characters and psychological depth could have transformed this story into something far more nuanced and emotionally grounded than its predecessor. Unfortunately, she has since left the project for other commitments.

Scheduling Conflicts and Script Delays: The Catch That Could Derail Everything

Despite the momentum behind this remake, there are still several catches preventing it from moving forward. The most significant issues are related to scheduling conflicts, script development, and studio negotiations.

First, Flynn’s departure leaves the screenplay in a state of uncertainty. Without a finalized script, production can’t proceed. Even if a new writer is brought on quickly, delays could push the film far into the future—potentially into conflict with Burton’s and Robbie’s other projects.

Secondly, Margot Robbie’s schedule is already packed. She has Wuthering Heights in post-production and an Oceans 11 prequel in development. Fitting a visually demanding, effects-heavy sci-fi film into her calendar won’t be easy, especially if the script isn’t ready in the near future.

And finally, there’s the studio side of things. Warner Bros. is reportedly still in negotiations over the finer points of the project. Until those are finalized, the film remains in limbo, no matter how perfect the casting or concept may be.

Why Margot Robbie Is the Ideal Choice for a Modern 50-Foot Heroine

Despite all the challenges, Margot Robbie remains the best possible choice to lead this remake. Her ability to portray layered, dynamic women has been on full display in films like I, Tonya, Bombshell, and Barbie. She brings a combination of vulnerability, strength, and magnetic screen presence that’s crucial for a role like Nancy Archer.

The character is more than just a monster movie trope. In the hands of a skilled performer, she becomes a symbol of female rage, transformation, and resilience—traits Robbie has embodied in various forms throughout her career. With the right creative team, her performance could elevate this sci-fi tale into something truly compelling.

What’s Next for the Sci-Fi Remake of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman?

While fans wait for official confirmation, the buzz around the Margot Robbie sci-fi remake continues to grow. The idea of combining 1950s B-movie nostalgia with modern-day storytelling and production value is undeniably appealing. If Tim Burton stays on board, and a new scriptwriter can pick up where Gillian Flynn left off, the project could quickly move from development purgatory to a full greenlight.

Still, the reality is that Hollywood is unpredictable. The combination of overlapping schedules, unfinished scripts, and studio hesitations means that this project may take time—if it happens at all.

Conclusion: A Massive Opportunity, With One Big If

The idea of Margot Robbie starring in a remake of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman sounds like box office gold. With Tim Burton’s visual imagination, Robbie’s proven charisma, and the nostalgic appeal of a sci-fi classic, the film could capture audiences both old and new. But until the final pieces fall into place—a completed script, finalized contracts, and available schedules—it remains just that: an idea.

Fans of sci-fi, retro cinema, and strong female leads will be watching closely. Because if this project does move forward, it might just become the next big thing—literally and figuratively.