Casting Director Reveals Who Almost Played Ken in New ‘Barbie’ Movie, Covid Restrictions Forced Out A-List Actors

‘Barbie’ Movie Cast: Ryan Gosling May Not Be Playing Ken, Says Casting Director

Los Angeles, CA — The highly anticipated “Barbie” movie has fans buzzing with excitement over who will be cast as Ken, Barbie’s iconic companion. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, casting director Allison Jones, who collaborated with Lucy Bevan on the casting process, shared some insights into the extensive selection process.

Adding to the anticipation, Jones revealed that Ryan Gosling’s involvement in the film is still uncertain, keeping fans guessing about who will ultimately play Ken. However, she did mention other actors who were considered for the role.

The “Barbie” movie, inspired by the popular line of dolls, will feature a diverse cast of actors portraying multiple Barbies and Kens. However, due to Covid restrictions at the time of casting, some actors were unable to participate fully. Bowen Yang, Dan Levy, and Ben Platt, who were initially considered for the role of Ken, were unable to commit due to the three-month filming requirement in London, where a significant portion of the movie was shot.

Jones revealed that all three actors were genuinely disappointed about not being able to take on the role. She also mentioned Simu Liu, who had expressed strong interest in playing Ken but was eventually cast as one of the Kens in the film.

Another noteworthy mention was Jonathan Groff, who was offered the role of Ken’s friend Allan but had to decline. Michael Cera ultimately took on the part.

The casting process for the “Barbie” movie was intensive, with aspiring Barbie and Kens submitting audition tapes. Director Greta Gerwig, known for her focus on character development, wanted to engage with the actors personally before sharing the script with them. This personalized approach allowed Gerwig to gain a deeper understanding of each actor and their suitability for the key Barbie and Ken roles.

With Margot Robbie landing the lead role of Barbie, the film will also feature other notable actresses portraying different Barbies. Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and Dua Lipa are among the diverse group of actresses set to bring the beloved dolls to life on the big screen.

The “Barbie” movie continues to generate excitement as fans eagerly await the official announcement of who will portray Ken alongside Margot Robbie’s Barbie. The film’s diverse and talented cast promises to add a refreshing twist to the timeless tale of Barbie and her friends, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.