“I’m learning to drive which is crazy exciting for me, so hopefully I can get my license soon!” Ariana Greenblatt might still be learning how to drive, but she needs no lessons in acting: since making her debut on Disney Channel with Stuck In The Middle seven years ago, the now 15-year-old has ventured into Hollywood and starred in the likes of Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War and Adam Driver’s 65. The latest film on her resumé? Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, where she plays Sasha — angsty teen, leader of her high school clique and a Barbie-Anti-turned-Barbie Hero.

“Sasha was very special to me,” Greenblatt reveals. “In a way, out of all of my roles, she is the character most similar to me; she’s a 15-year-old girl in modern-day high school experiencing all of those things that come with that.” She continues, “Sasha is passionate and sometimes comes across as a little rude or dry, but that’s what I love about her, honestly. She’s not afraid to state her opinion or stick up for what she thinks is right. I try to carry a little Sasha with me every day.” 

While Greenblatt’s Sasha was still very much human in the pink, plastic fantasy of Barbie World, one couldn’t help but wonder — what would Greenblatt’s Barbie outfit and hairstyle look like if she was a Mattel doll? “I love this question!” The actress responds in excitement. “If I were a Barbie doll, I think I’d love to be in a super cute pink hoodie and sweatpants set. I’d also wear some new Jordan 4 military blacks and probably put in some crazy long extensions.” Ah, a pair of Air Jordan 4s — the sartorial sign of a true Gen-Z. “I’ve always loved the idea of having super long hair so I’d definitely do that for my Barbie look, big hair. My accessory would be my glasses – because I recently found out that I cannot see – and a big fresh cup of boba!”

15 years old and starring in Barbie? It goes without saying that Greenblatt is going places — yet she has also barely gotten started. While her impactful performances in front of the camera have garnered plenty of attention worldwide, the actress also wishes to make her mark as someone behind the lens. To write a film. Or even direct one like Gerwig, perhaps. “I think I would love to capture a true story of a girl my age, of this day and age,” she shares. “Teens are unique and have so many complicated layers. We all deal with home life differently versus just socially trying to fit in, boys, social media, grades, and pressure to perform, it’s endless. So, I fully wrote down the people I know as characters, what they wear, how they talk, their interests and their problems.” She laughs, “I hope they don’t get mad when they see someone very similar to them in a film I make one day!”