For a film with Margot Robbie, Simu Liu, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Dua Lipa, America Ferrera, William Ferrell, Ncuti Gatwa and even John Cena, it’s almost hard to believe that anyone would turn down the chance to get their names among the movie’s credits.
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But surprise surprise, some stars actually did. I bet they’re regretting it now that Barbiemania is spreading across the globe. Even Selena Gomez embraced the craze for her 31st birthday.
However, while there were those who weren’t eager to step into a Ken or Allan shoe, there were others who were very bummed out about not being chosen to represent the characters onscreen.
Casting Director Allison Jones Reveals the Barbies and Kens That Almost Were
According to casting director Allison Jones, there were a couple of male stars who couldn’t, or simply didn’t, want to play Ken onscreen.
Among those are Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang, Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy and Dear Evan Hansen actor Ben Platt.
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Jonathan Groff also turned down the role of Allan, Ryan Gosling’s “beach” Ken’s best friend, before it eventually went to Michael Cera.
As for the Barbies, rest assured there were a number of stars who would do anything to play the iconic character, but unfortunately, there were others who wouldn’t.
Amy Schumer – Was One Such Star.
She dropped out before “Barbie” became the movie we know and love today – p.s. it’s now available in theaters worldwide if you haven’t seen it already.
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“I think we said it was scheduling conflict, that’s what we said,” she shared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in June 2023. “But yeah, it really was just, like, creative differences. But you know what? There’s like a new team behind it, and it looks like it’s very feminist and cool. So, I will be seeing that movie.”
After Schumer exited the project, Robbie was brought on, and she attempted to recruit fellow DC star, Gal Gadot, but Gadot sadly couldn’t make it.
While there were faces we obviously wish we could see as Barbies and Kens, the ones who played them brought them to live in the most amazing way.
Too bad Greta Gerwig says there’s no plans for a sequel or we might have redeemed that missed opportunity to have “Wonder Woman’s” Gal Gadot as Barbie.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Barbie right now. Come back here often for all Barbie spoilers, news, and updates.