Barbie ensured the sun was shining bright on Royal Avenue in Belfast today as crowds gathered decked out in pink for the first screening of the film at The Avenue cinema.
The excitement was palpable amongst the many fans eagerly anticipating the new film starring Margot Robbie and as 12.10pm neared, the sold-out cinema filled to the brim with eager attendees ready to dive into Barbieland.
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For Anne Elwood, a long-time Barbie enthusiast, this movie marked a special moment because she was born in 1959, the year Barbie debuted.
"I'm very excited for the movie. I think Margot Robbie is a totally apt choice," she said.
Elwood grew up playing with the original, less lifelike Barbies in Canada and believes the new movie comes at the right cultural moment, with more diversity now represented.
Laura was thrilled to share the cinematic experience with her daughter, who was an ardent fan of the iconic doll.
"We're very excited. She has lots of Barbies - the house, camper van - so we're here to watch together," Laura said.
Elpitha Lyssary, Marketing Manager of The Avenue, said "Barbie has completely taken over and everything is going to be pink for the weekend!"
She added that the film could have appealed to a new demographic.
"It's going to be a crazy weekend for us," Elpitha added, acknowledging the tremendous marketing efforts that turned the cinema into a Barbie paradise.
The Barbie film has proven popular, with this opening weekend sold out across multiple screens at The Avenue. Lyssary said the cinema encouraged staff to wear pink to help create the perfect Barbie experience.
The bright pink takeover is set to continue all weekend, with fans young and old indulging their nostalgia and fascination with the iconic doll.
Barbie movie has been released worldwide today
