‘Barbie’: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, and Emerald Fennell Among the New Additions
The movie, based on the classic toy, has recruited one of the most eclectic casts we’ve seen.
Barbie photo courtesy of Mattel.com.
‘Barbie’ is one of those movies that it’s hard to get a handle on. When you know that Mattel is working with Warner Bros. to adapt the iconic toy, your first thought might be of a cheap animated cash-in designed to sell more of the plastic princess.
Instead, the idea – even before it arrived at Warners – appears to be looking to make a more interesting live-action version that explores the character in different ways.
Especially given that ‘Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted’.
And the casting for the new movie has been, shall we say, eclectic, with the latest crop including ‘Emerald Fennell (here acting as opposed to her ‘Promising’ work behind the camera).
The ensemble, though, is anchored by Margot Robbie, who jumped aboard as star and producer, ready to play the Malibu favorite who, according to the actor “comes with a lot of baggage, and a lot of nostalgic connections. But with that comes a lot of exciting ways to attack it.”
And attack it she has, teaming up with Gerwig and Baumbach to figure out something that, for now at least, is shrouded in mystery.
Kingsley Ben-Adir stars in 'One Night in Miami.' Photo: Patti Perret/Amazon Studios.
Even most of the roles are being kept quiet for now, though we do know that Ryan Gosling (yet another actor not traditionally associated with blockbuster money grabs) is playing Ken.
Since the core duo was attached, ‘Barbie’ has slowly been building its cast, and has certainly kept us all guessing with the people jumping aboard. Simu Liu were among the first group.
They were soon ed by trailblazing trans performer The Lego Movie’s President Business?)
Among the most recent additions to the cast are Jamie Demetriou.
And Gatwa isn’t the only person from Connor Swindells are also on board.
Before it was at Warners, ‘Barbie’ was in development at Sony, where Diablo Cody wrote at least one draft of the script.
Gerwig has been shooting the movie since early this year at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios just outside of London. ‘Barbie’ doesn’t have a set release date yet but should be in theaters next year.
