Barbie, the iconic Mattel toy, has been an international sensation for decades. As a result, a film centered around the iconic blonde bombshell has been in development for years, and many actresses were considered for the role of Barbie before Margot Robbie landed the coveted part. However, Margot Robbie, who portrays Barbie in the movie, was fully prepared to accept that she might not have been the first choice for the role. Despite being the first choice for director Greta Gerwig, Robbie believed in giving the filmmaker the freedom to make their own casting decisions.
Embracing Greta Gerwig’s Vision
During a recent interview, Margot Robbie discussed her journey to being cast as Barbie and her approach to the project. As a producer of the film, Robbie was upfront about not wanting the director to feel pressured to cast her in the role. She stated that if Gerwig had chosen someone else, she would have supported that decision wholeheartedly. Robbie’s priority was to ensure that the best story was told, even if it meant someone else playing the iconic character.
Greta Gerwig, however, had a different vision. Despite Robbie’s openness to other possibilities, Gerwig was determined to write the role of Barbie specifically for Robbie. The director’s enthusiasm for casting Robbie was so evident that Robbie initially thought Gerwig might feel pressured to say so. However, Gerwig persisted, assuring Robbie that she genuinely wanted her for the role. As a result, both Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken, were confirmed as the leads, and their names were written in the script from the beginning, aligning with Gerwig’s artistic vision.
Barbie’s Enthralling Plot
The film follows Barbie (Margot Robbie) as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. In Barbie Land, where all the variations of Barbie and Ken live, she begins to question the fulfillment she finds in her life of partying and beach-going. Dissatisfied with her current state, Barbie decides to venture into the human world to seek answers to her existential questions.
Unexpectedly, Barbie’s version of Ken, portrayed by Ryan Gosling, surprises her by tagging along for the adventure without prior notice. This unexpected turn of events adds depth and complexity to the narrative as Barbie and Ken must now navigate the human world together while confronting the bizarre and captivating challenges it presents.
A Star-Studded Cast
In addition to the captivating performances of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the star-studded cast of Barbie boasts an impressive lineup of talented actors and actresses. Joining the film’s ensemble are Issa Rae, Emma Mackey, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Hari Nef, John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Ncuti Gatwa, Will Ferrell, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Emerald Fennell, and singer-songwriter Dua Lipa.
Barbie’s Global Impact
As a beloved cultural icon, Barbie’s influence stretches worldwide. However, it’s worth noting that the film’s release faced certain restrictions in Vietnam, where Barbie is banned. The reasons behind this ban and its implications on the film’s global reception raise interesting questions about the character’s cultural significance and controversies surrounding the doll over the years.
Conclusion
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie in Greta Gerwig‘s latest film is a testament to the actress’s commitment to the project and her willingness to embrace the director’s artistic vision. Robbie’s openness to the possibility of another actress taking on the iconic role exemplifies her dedication to storytelling and the freedom of creative expression. As audiences immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Barbie and Ken’s human adventure, the film’s star-studded cast ensures an entertaining and captivating cinematic experience. Barbie’s impact as a cultural icon remains undeniably significant, despite facing certain challenges in specific regions. Overall, the film celebrates Barbie’s enduring popularity and highlights the character’s timeless appeal to audiences of all ages.
