Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody has landed the job of bringing Mattel doll Barbie's world to the big screen for a new movie.

Barbie co-producer Walter Parkes has confirmed Cody will tackle Jenny Bicks' first draft for the film, which studio bosses hope will kickstart a new movie franchise.

He says, "Diablo's unconventionality is just what Barbie needs... We're going for a legitimately contemporary tone. We're bringing her on because she had great ideas, but even more importantly, she truly loves Barbie."

Edgy Cody also penned the scripts for Charlize Theron's Young Adult and Jennifer's Body.