When Barbie premiered last summer, it was impossible to escape. The pink tsunami of press, merch, and memes swallowed up everything in its path. The Greta Gerwig-directed cultural juggernaut didn’t just break box office records—it became a statement, a movement, a celebration of inclusion and empowerment. So when HBO Max announced it would release an American Sign Language (ASL) version of Barbie, it was far more than just a feel-good headline. It was a sign—pun fully intended—that accessibility in entertainment is finally starting to evolve.
Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, captured the moment succinctly. “Max is the premiere destination for storytelling, so being able to share the biggest movie of the year in ASL, the first language for many, will make this story resonate in a more meaningful way. By offering sign language interpretation, we will build upon the film’s empowering message of inclusiveness and offer a unique viewing experience for the Deaf community to enjoy with family and friends.”
This isn’t just a nice PR win. It’s part of a growing movement in the entertainment industry to make film and television more accessible for audiences who have, for far too long, been excluded from the full viewing experience.
ASL vs. Captioning: A Different Level of Inclusion
For many viewers unfamiliar with ASL, it might seem redundant—isn’t captioning good enough? Not quite. ASL is not simply a visual version of English; it is its own language, complete with its own grammar, syntax, and cultural nuances. Captions provide a word-for-word transcript of dialogue, but they don’t communicate tone, inflection, or emotional delivery. An ASL interpreter can’t just sign words; they must embody the story, interpreting the intent and emotion behind the dialogue with facial expressions, gestures, and rhythm.
“While captions are a wonderful option, the interpreter was able to bring the dialogue to life in a way that captions could never,” said a user on Reddit, when talking about the ASL version of Barbie.
“ASL offers more information to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing than simple captioning,” said Emily Blumberg, Clinical Instructor in Communication Sciences & Disorders. “Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing should have equal access to entertainment as individuals with typical hearing. People with typical hearing have access to foreign movies with English subtitles, so it makes sense that there should be ASL versions of movies.”
The Cultural Moment of ASL on Screen
The ASL release of Barbie is part of a broader shift happening in both film and live entertainment. Streaming platforms like Disney+ and Netflix have dabbled in third-party solutions, such as the Chrome extension SignUp, which offers ASL interpretations of about 60 movies. But these versions are often unofficial and rely on external tools—a patch, rather than a true commitment to accessibility. HBO Max’s move to produce official ASL versions of its major films sets a new standard, particularly when it comes to blockbuster hits that define cultural conversations.
The involvement of Barbie's star and producer Margot Robbie also brought mainstream attention to the ASL version. Robbie publicly championed Leila Hanaumi, the interpreter for the film, during an ASL Q&A post-screening. It wasn’t just performative advocacy; it highlighted the artistry and effort required to create an ASL version of a film.
“Margot Robbie engaged with this ASL interpreter because it’s more than just text,” said Anna Feder, curator of the Bright Lights Cinema Series. “That person is an artist. It’s not just a simple translation.”
This distinction matters. Unlike captions, which are often added as a quick, post-production fix, ASL interpretations require a deep understanding of the film’s tone, themes, and visual rhythm. The interpreter becomes a storyteller in their own right, translating not just words but meaning.
Hollywood Is Finally Listening—But There’s Work to Do
The industry has made strides in recent years, particularly as accessibility becomes a more visible demand. Open-caption screenings are now more widely available in movie theaters, and award shows like the Oscars have introduced ASL streams for Deaf viewers. But challenges remain. ASL versions of movies are still uncommon, and filmmakers must actively engage with the process, as Robbie did for Barbie.
Captioning can be done post-production, but an ASL interpretation needs to be created alongside or immediately after the film’s release. That requires planning, investment, and commitment from studios and filmmakers. In other words, accessibility can’t be an afterthought.
Beyond Barbie: What Comes Next?
The success of Barbie has opened the door for more blockbusters to follow suit, and Warner Bros. Discovery and Max are already building on this momentum. On July 4th, Max released Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire with an ASL version, featuringan interpretation by Otis Jones. Notably, the film also stars Kaylee Hottle, a Deaf actress, marking another step toward inclusion both on and off screen.
Max isn’t stopping there. The newly released Beetlejuice Beetlejuice also includes an ASL version, with Deaf performer Sophia Morales taking on the interpretation. Morales, known for her work with Deaf West Theatre and her collaboration with Paramore on their 2022 world tour, brings her artistry to the film’s playful and macabre energy.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery emphasized the role of their Max Accessibility Team and Deluxe in producing these versions, underscoring the growing infrastructure behind accessibility initiatives. And in a nod to global inclusivity, Max also offers a LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language) version of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in its Brazil region.
This isn’t just about Barbie anymore—it’s a movement. With each ASL release, Max is proving that accessibility can and should be part of the standard production process for major films. These ASL versions are more than add-ons; they’re opportunities for millions of viewers to fully experience the stories shaping our culture.
With Godzilla x Kong and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice now joining the lineup, the hope is that this becomes the rule rather than the exception. It’s a bold step toward a future where Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences are no longer treated as an afterthought, but as a vital part of the moviegoing community. Max has set the bar—let’s see who rises to meet it.
