The clash of opinions continues in Hollywood as music producer Mark Ronson took to social media to respond to Bill Maher‘s criticism of the hit film “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig. Ronson, known for his involvement in the Barbie soundtrack album, including co-producing and co-writing hit songs like “I’m Just Ken,” had some choice words for Maher’s take on the movie.
In a tweet that playfully mimicked Nicole Kidman‘s famous ad, Ronson defended the film’s appeal, saying, “We come to this place for magic. We come to AMC theaters to laugh, to cry, to care… and to furiously google ‘mattel board configuration’ while others are trying to enjoy a f***king magnificent comedy.” The strong response came after Maher’s earlier tweet, where he called “Barbie” “preachy, man-hating, and a #ZombieLie.”
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Maher’s critique didn’t sit well with Ronson, who is no stranger to the entertainment industry, having won an Academy Award for best original song in 2019. Maher’s tweet expressed his disappointment in the film, referring to it as a “Zombie Lie,” a term he defined as something that was either never true but continues to be perpetuated, or something that used to be true but no longer is.
Responding to Maher’s criticism point by point, Ronson noted that the real Mattel board, as depicted in the film, consisted of 12 white men. Maher’s contention was that the board composition was not in line with reality, as he cited that 45% of Fortune 500 company board seats filled last year were occupied by women. Ronson fired back, asserting that he’s in tune with the current reality and not adhering to what he termed a “#ZombieLie.”
Maher’s negative perspective on “Barbie” is not isolated. Other figures, including Ben Shapiro and Elon Musk, have also voiced their less-than-favorable opinions about the film directed by Greta Gerwig. The film, despite its commercial success and billion-dollar box office earnings, has drawn attention for its social commentary and approach to gender dynamics, sparking discussions and debates in various circles.
As the clash between differing viewpoints in the entertainment industry continues, Mark Ronson’s response showcases his passionate defense of the movie’s creative vision and the magic it aims to bring to audiences. The back-and-forth serves as a reminder that art, especially when it tackles complex societal themes, often prompts a range of reactions, sparking important dialogues about representation and storytelling in modern cinema.