Margot Robbie Might Regret Breaking Her Promise After Barbie’s Success

After the cultural earthquake that was Barbie in 2023, Margot Robbie seemed to be riding an unstoppable wave. With over $1.4 billion in global box office earnings and multiple Oscar nominations, Barbie cemented Robbie’s place not only as a top-tier actress but also as a power player in Hollywood through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment.

It was more than just a hit—it was a movement. The film became a symbol of modern femininity, a conversation-starter, and a defining cinematic event of the decade. So naturally, all eyes were on Robbie’s first starring film since Barbie. Unfortunately, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey has not lived up to those massive expectations. In fact, it’s done the opposite.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: A Box Office Letdown

Released this past weekend, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey was meant to be Margot Robbie’s first major acting project post-Barbie. The film, a romantic fantasy directed by Kogonada, stars Robbie opposite Colin Farrell. It tells the story of two strangers whose lives are magically intertwined as they journey through their emotional pasts.

On paper, it sounds imaginative and heartfelt—something that might attract an audience still hungry for emotional storytelling after the layered themes of Barbie. But in reality, the movie debuted to disappointing numbers, earning only $3.8 million in its opening weekend, landing in sixth place at the domestic box office.

To put that into perspective: even indie films with modest marketing can sometimes outperform that figure when buzz or critical acclaim is on their side. For a film starring an A-lister like Margot Robbie, that kind of performance is undeniably a box office disappointment.

What Went Wrong?

There are several factors contributing to the underwhelming reception of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, but one thing is clear: Margot Robbie’s name alone wasn’t enough to draw crowds this time. Despite her past successes with films like The Wolf of Wall Street ($389.8 million) and Suicide Squad ($749.2 million), this latest outing has reminded the industry of a hard truth—not every movie with a big star can automatically become a hit.

The film also lacks strong critical support. As of now, it holds a 37% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviews labeling the movie as having “empty storytelling” and underwhelming emotional depth. One review in particular, from ScreenRant’s Mae Abdulbaki, called out the film’s failure to make its fantasy elements feel meaningful, criticizing the shallow writing that left the characters feeling underdeveloped.

This reception mirrors the feedback from audiences, who seem to have felt disconnected from the story, despite the star power and artistic vision behind it.

The Barbie Effect: Too Much Too Soon?

In many ways, Barbie was lightning in a bottle. It had the perfect combination of social commentary, comedy, visual spectacle, and emotional resonance. The world was ready for it, and Margot Robbie, alongside Greta Gerwig, delivered it flawlessly.

But following such a massive cultural high, any project was bound to feel like a comedown. Perhaps Robbie would have benefited from stepping back and allowing Barbie to breathe a little longer before returning to the spotlight. By jumping into A Big Bold Beautiful Journey so quickly, comparisons were inevitable—and unfortunately for this new film, unflattering.

Why This Is a Pivotal Moment for Margot Robbie

This moment in Margot Robbie’s career is an important one. Following Barbie, expectations for her next move were sky-high. She had crossed a major threshold—not just an actress, but a force. So the commercial and critical failure of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey raises an important question: what’s next for Robbie?

This isn’t just a missed opportunity for her, but also for director Kogonada, who had found success in smaller films like Columbus and After Yang. With Robbie’s backing, this could have been his breakout into the mainstream. Instead, the film’s failure may cast doubt on his transition to bigger-budget projects.

As for Robbie, this isn’t career-ending by any means. But it is a stumble, and one that will surely be examined closely by both industry insiders and fans.

The Curse of Following a Phenomenon

It’s a common issue in Hollywood: how do you follow a cultural phenomenon? Whether it’s Titanic, Black Panther, or Joker, the actors and creators involved often struggle with what comes next. For Robbie, that challenge was magnified by the fact that Barbie was both a personal and professional triumph—she produced it, starred in it, and became the face of its success.

With A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, it seems the answer wasn’t clear. While ambitious in concept, the film ultimately lacked the storytelling and emotional cohesion that defined her earlier hits. Unlike Barbie, which offered viewers layers to unpack, this new film offers little beyond its surface-level charm.

Should Margot Robbie Have Waited?

This brings us back to the question at the heart of it all: Should Margot Robbie have taken a break after Barbie?

Given the fatigue that can follow a massive success—and the intense scrutiny that inevitably follows—it may have been wise to pause, reset, and return with a project that felt just as bold and inspired as Barbie.

Instead, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey feels like an awkward transition. It’s not a commercial blockbuster, nor is it a sharp indie film. It occupies a strange middle space, and in doing so, loses the strengths of both. For Robbie, who has shown herself to be a brilliant curator of stories through LuckyChap, this choice feels off-brand.

What’s Next for Margot Robbie?

Despite this setback, Margot Robbie remains one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents. Her production company continues to develop female-led projects, and she’s rumored to be attached to several major films in the coming years. If anything, this flop may push her and her team to recalibrate and focus on the kind of bold, thoughtful storytelling that brought them success in the first place.

Moreover, audiences are still very much invested in her career. One box office miss won’t change the goodwill she’s earned—especially not after something as iconic as Barbie. If anything, fans may even rally around her more, eager to see her bounce back.

Final Thoughts: A Misstep, Not a Meltdown

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey may be a letdown, but it doesn’t define Margot Robbie’s future. It does, however, serve as a reminder that even the biggest stars need the right vehicle to shine. Following a once-in-a-generation hit like Barbie was always going to be hard.

So maybe the lesson here isn’t just about box office numbers—it’s about timing, tone, and knowing when to take a breath. Perhaps next time, Margot Robbie will return with a project that truly builds on the legacy Barbie left behind, rather than one that unintentionally diminishes it.