In an exciting crossover between beloved childhood nostalgia and contemporary literature, Alex Aster, a prolific author known for her bestselling “Lightlark” and “Starside” novels, has launched a new YA series centered on a cultural icon that has captivated hearts for over six decades: Barbie. This week, Aster celebrated the release of “Barbie Dreamscape,” the first young adult series inspired by the iconic doll and created in collaboration with Mattel.
Creative Freedom and Character Exploration
Aster, who has published ten titles in just six years, shared that Mattel granted her significant creative freedom in bringing this project to life. “Obviously, Barbie was always going to be the main character,” she told Variety during the launch party at Barnes & Noble in Union Square, New York. “I wanted Ken to make an appearance, but I didn’t want it to be all about Ken because this is first and foremost a journey of self-discovery for Barbie.” She emphasized that Barbie’s journey is independent, allowing her to uncover her strength without the influence of relationships.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Described by Mattel Press as “a richly imagined coming-of-age story,” “Barbie Dreamscape” revolves around a teenage Barbie whose meticulously planned future is abruptly altered when she is declared Fateless at her school’s graduation. To reclaim her destiny, Barbie embarks on a quest across magical lands, seeking the mysterious beings that control the fates of everyone in Heartland. Along the way, she confronts buried truths that have the potential to change her world forever.
Inspiration from the Barbie Universe
While Aster aimed to honor the legacy of Barbie, she also introduced entirely new characters inspired by the doll’s universe and animated films. “When I went to Mattel, they let me play with the toys and see everything,” she explained. “It was a mix between me wanting to add something new and honor the Barbie I knew from movies.” One of her favorites is the classic 2001 film, “Barbie in the Nutcracker,” which has influenced her vision for “Dreamscape.”
Future Adaptations and Fan Involvement
Aster envisions the potential for “Barbie Dreamscape” to be adapted into an animated film or even the first live-action YA Barbie movie. “I think it would be a really great animated movie,” she declared. If it were to be live-action, she expressed her curiosity about fan casting, acknowledging that readers often offer stellar suggestions. “I don’t have [a fan cast for Barbie], but I’m sure someone will come up with the perfect one,” she said, highlighting her audience’s valuable input.
Balancing Writing and Film Production
As she takes on the role of executive producer for adaptations of her previous works, including “Lightlark” and “Summer in the City,” Aster is mindful of balancing her creative responsibilities. “I’m definitely fully, totally focused on writing books, so I do not have plans on self-adapting,” she clarified, expressing confidence in the screenwriters handling the scripts. “I’ve read the ‘Lightlark’ script; it’s really good.”
Looking Ahead
Currently, Aster is also wrapping up work on “Stormside,” the sequel to “Starside,” which has faced a delay from its original release date. “It’s the longest book I’ve ever written,” she revealed, “over 1,000 pages on my laptop.” Despite the challenges, Aster feels fulfilled. “Even just working within the confines of an IP really, weirdly, felt more freeing,” she shared regarding her experience with “Barbie Dreamscape.”
Aster has expressed her openness to writing more stories within the Barbie universe, stating, “If Mattel wants me to, I will. But I think that this is just one of probably hundreds of Barbie stories out there.” In crafting “Barbie Dreamscape,” Aster has created a unique addition to Barbie’s expansive world, one that celebrates both her past and future.
