The project is being produced by Walter Pikes, with Laurie MacDonald and Jenny Bicks (Sex and the City, The Big C) penning the script.
Sony's production president Hannah Minghella said: "We've always thought that the Barbie story had great potential, but a universe of possibilities opened up when Jenny, Walter and Laurie brought us their unexpected, clever, and truly funny concept.
"It captures everything that has made Barbie a classic for generation after generation while also standing on its own, establishing Barbie as a truly original screen character."
The Barbie movie will be the second collaboration between Sony and Mattel, who are also working on a Masters of the Universe project together.
According to Deadline, the Barbie storyline will see the character utilise "her personal and professional skills to step into the lives of others and improve them, almost like a modern-day Mary Poppins".
