Margot Robbie will be one of many Barbies in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, this according to breaking news coming out of Cannes. The New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan has learned at the prestigious festival that the film will also introduce Issa Rae (Insecure) and Hari Nef (Transparent) as different versions of Barbie. Of course, this also means that Ryan Gosling will not be the only live-action Ken in the film, as word is Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education) will also be playing alternate Kens.
What hasn’t been revealed is a synopsis, so the plot remains unclear beyond the inclusion of multiple Kens and Barbies. Perhaps this is a sign that Gerwig will be going a bit meta with the story by acknowledging how there have been different versions of the Barbie dolls released in stores over the decades. With that said, it’s not surprising to see that aspect makes its way into the live-action film, but it remains to be seen how this will come together in a cohesive way.
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For what it’s worth, Simu Liu said he was drawn to the story by its impressive screenplay, so that’s a good sign for what Gerwig has in mind. The actor had been fielding through possible job opportunities with his agents when one just happened to suggest trying for Barbie. Liu realized that this one might be something special based on how the agent had described the script to him.
“He literally said this verbatim,” Liu said, per GQ. “He was like, ‘If I could stake my career on any one script, it’s the Barbie script. I really think you should do it.’”
Revealing how he mentioned his experience with a hip-hop dance team from college during his audition, Liu added, “Greta was talking about how much she loved watching men dance, because it’s such an expression of artistry you’re not used to seeing from typical men. She audibly guffawed, she giggle-screamed – and then I got the part.”
Greta Gerwig directs Barbie using a screenplay by Noah Baumbach. A slew of other names have also been announced for the cast, and it might make one wonder if any others are going to turn out to be other Kens and Barbies. The film also stars Kate McKinnon, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Michael Cera, and Will Ferrell. Also featured are Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Connor Swindells, Ritu Arya, and Jamie Demetriou.
Margot Robbie Promises to Subvert Expectations With Barbie
Mattel
Margot Robbie has also teased some surprises with where Greta Gerwig is taking Barbie. In previous interview with THR, she explained how they realize most people will be expecting a certain type of movie with the Barbie adaptation and the goal is to do something entirely unexpected.
“We like the things that feel a little left of center,” she said. “Something like Barbie where the IP, the name itself, people immediately have an idea of, ‘Oh, Margot is playing Barbie, I know what that is,’ but our goal is to be like, ‘Whatever you’re thinking, we’re going to give you something totally different — the thing you didn’t know you wanted.’”
She added, “Now, can we truly honor the IP and the fan base and also surprise people? Because if we can do all that and provoke a thoughtful conversation, then we’re really firing on all cylinders.”
