2023’s smash hit movie Barbie, was finally made available to stream on Max on December 15th. A new edition of the movie was released alongside it: Barbie with ASL.
Barbie with ASL is exactly what it sounds like. It features the original English version of Barbie, but with the addition of American Sign Language performer, Leila Hanaumi, signing along with the movie at the bottom of the screen.
While closed captioning has been an option for deaf and hearing impaired since 1980 in America, movie and TV options that take the time to include ASL representation, are few and far between. Options that include a live American Sign Language interpretation alongside the original media are almost unheard of, and they show an incredible dedication to inclusion, and fostering positive change in the film industry.
Barbie was instantly successful, and beloved because of its perfect portrayal of women’s experiences by empowering them, and bringing them together. It flawlessly portrayed the struggle of women in a world that too-often feels designed for them to fail, and thus encouraged them to succeed with each other, not despite each other.
Barbie with ASL has had a similar reception to the original Barbie, with both deaf and hearing fans of the movie thrilled that HBO has chosen to add Sign Language to Barbie. Offering Sign Language is overall the more accessible option, as it makes Barbie accessible to children who sign but can’t yet read, and eliminates the issue of lagging and inaccurate captions. It’s overall a great way to bring interest to ASL, and make it more mainstream.
Critically acclaimed Barbie, which most recently was a celebrated winner at the 2024 Golden Globes, is the perfect movie to spearhead the movement for disability inclusion in the media. At its core, Barbie is about inclusion. It’s about bridging societal gaps, and working together for the opportunity to create and experience a better future for everyone. Barbie with ASL is the perfect first step towards bringing Barbie’s goal to life.
Barbie and Barbie with ASL are both available to stream now on Max. Look for the ASL symbol on the Barbie cover to check it out with ASL!
