The release of Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie is only a few weeks away, and the movie has already garnered much attention. Gerwig — who directed indie favorites such as Mistress America, Frances Ha, and Greenberg — has taken a feminist take on the iconic Mattel doll that’s sure to please critics and audiences alike. The film has also had an interesting genesis, spending years in development hell and having Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway attached to it at one point. Eventually, Warner Bros acquired the rights to the movie, and Gerwig was confirmed as director in 2021. The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and will be produced by Robbie’s production company LuckyChap Entertainment, along with Tom Ackerley and Mattel Films’ Ynon Kreiz.
Earlier this year, fans saw the filming in progress when the movie’s cast was photographed on location at Venice Beach, Los Angeles. The surprise appearance was a hit with the public, and many people took the opportunity to meet and greet the film’s two stars, who were clad in their Barbie attire. The film is reportedly a fish-out-of-water story about Barbie, who gets kicked out of Barbieland for not being perfect enough and finds herself in the real world. She realizes that perfection is something to find, not something to strive for.
To do this, she must break out of her Barbie mold and learn to be a “real woman” without losing her sense of fun. She then returns to Barbieland and teaches its citizens about acceptance, love, and empowerment. It is a message that’s both timely and timeless.
However, it is not just Barbie getting the spotlight, as her boyfriend Ken lands his storyline in the film. Ryan Gosling, who is a Hollywood mainstay thanks to hits such as Crazy, Stupid, Love, La La Land, The Place Beyond the Pines, and Blade Runner 2049, will play Ken. Gosling’s co-star in a recent Netflix coming-of-age drama Little Women, Timothee Chalamet, will portray Ken’s best friend and rival.
In addition to the leading ladies, many other familiar faces have been slated for roles in the Barbie film. Dua Lipa is set to play the film’s lead singer, while Assassination Nation star Hari Nef will be Barbie’s best friend and fellow Ginger. America Ferrera, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, and Nicola Coughlan are among the film’s supporting players.
There is even a cameo from a legend in the form of Will Ferrell, who has been tapped to play the CEO of Mattel and deliver a series of “disingenuous speeches about female empowerment.” Helen Mirren will be on hand to provide narration.
