Margot Robbie confirmed to play Barbie after Amy Schumer, Anne Hathaway drop out

Margot Robbie will play Barbie in an upcoming live action movie after both Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway dropped the role, it has been confirmed.

Schumer was initially announced as the film's star in 2016, but dropped out due to "scheduling conflicts", according to Variety

Hathaway was later chosen as a replacement, but also left the project after the release date was postponed.

Now Robbie, who will also co-produce the film, says she's "honoured" to be bringing the iconic doll to life on the big screen.

"Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child's journey to self-discovery," she says in a statement.

"Over the brand's almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president."

The Wolf Of Wall Street star says she believed the film would have a "tremendously positive impact on children".

The updated casting choice divided fans online, with many claiming Schumer should have never been in the running for the role.

"At least she looks like Barbie," one Twitter user wrote about Robbie.

"I still don't know where that idiotic Amy Schumer idea came from."

"As a collector since I was four years old, I approve Margot Robbie to play Barbie. Amy Schumer I DO NOT ALLOW!" another said.

However, some commentators were left disappointed by the news.

"I preferred Amy Schumer as Barbie. I love Margot Robbie, but I was looking forward to seeing Barbie as a woman that wasn't so skinny and that was closer to my size," one tweet read.

Another comment called Robbie's appointment "disappointing and cliché". 

Schumer, who hit back at body-shaming internet trolls when she initially accepted the role, does not appear to have addressed the announcement.

Newshub.