The casting process for a major film like Barbie can be a fascinating journey, with actors vying for iconic roles that shape beloved characters on screen. Recently, Barbie’s casting directors, Lucy Bevan and Allison Jones, shed light on the potential stars who came close to playing Ken, the suave companion to Margot Robbie’s Barbie. Bowen Yang, known for his comedic prowess on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy, and the talented Ben Platt were all contenders for the role of Ken. However, as fate would have it, logistical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from joining the project.
COVID Restrictions Foiled Ken Candidates
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Bevan and Jones revealed that the production of Barbie took place in London for three months, which presented logistical difficulties in bringing certain actors on board. Despite their enthusiasm for the roles, Bowen Yang, Dan Levy, and Ben Platt were ultimately unable to be a part of the film due to these restrictions. Jones admitted that the actors were genuinely disappointed, as they were eager to collaborate with director Greta Gerwig, whose vision and creativity drew them to the project.
Simu Liu’s Desire to be a Ken
While Ryan Gosling landed the role of Ken alongside Margot Robbie’s Barbie, there were multiple Ken characters in Barbie Land. Simu Liu, known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, had a burning desire to portray one of these Kens. Jones revealed that Liu’s passion for the role was evident, and his enthusiasm was shared by other actors vying for various parts in the movie.
Getting to Know the Actors
According to Bevan and Jones, Gerwig took a keen interest in the actors and wanted to get to know them as people. This personal approach helped her gauge their suitability for the key roles of Barbie and Ken. The casting directors emphasized that the audition process involved self-tapes and Zoom readings, giving actors a chance to showcase their talents despite the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic.
Cillian Murphy’s Openness to Play Ken in a Sequel
As Barbie continues to captivate audiences worldwide, actor Cillian Murphy, known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and the recently released Oppenheimer, expressed interest in potentially playing Ken in a Barbie sequel. When asked about the possibility, Murphy responded with enthusiasm, stating that he would be open to the opportunity. He praised the success of Barbie and Oppenheimer, which recently delivered a remarkable box office weekend for AMC Entertainment.
The Future of Barbie
While fans eagerly await news of a potential Barbie sequel, Greta Gerwig remains uncertain about the project’s future. As with any film’s conclusion, Gerwig expressed the familiar sentiment of uncertainty, questioning if she’ll ever have another idea and whether she has fulfilled all her creative aspirations. For now, Barbie stands as a resounding success, capturing the imagination of audiences and creating new possibilities for the iconic doll on the big screen.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, we can only hope to witness the on-screen adventures of Barbie and her companions in potential future installments, and perhaps see Cillian Murphy don the role of Ken in the “Barbenheimer” universe. Until then, fans can relish the delightful journey that Barbie has brought to cinema, celebrating the magic and wonder of this timeless talent.
