Matt Bomer revealed to Vanity Fair that he sent in a self-taped audition to play one of the many iterations of Ken in Greta Gerwig's blockbuster comedy “Barbie,” but he ultimately decided not to join the movie so he could prioritize spending time with his family.
And among the actors who nearly took up residence in Barbieland were Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang, Schitt's Creek alum Dan Levy and Dear Evan Hansen actor Ben Platt.
But there were even more familiar faces that almost joined the cast. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Barbie's casting directors Allison Jones and Lucy Bevan very casually revealed three other Hollywood A-listers who turned down the role of Ken: namely Bowen Yang, Dan Levy, and Ben Platt.
The search for the perfect Barbie and Ken actors in Greta Gerwig's record-breaking blockbuster “Barbie” fell to casting directors Lucy Bevan and Allison Jones, who recently revealed to Vanity Fair that “Saturday Night Live” Emmy nominee Bowen Yang, “Schitt's Creek” Emmy winner Dan Levy and “Dear Evan Hansen” Tony ...
Robbie is a producer on “Barbie” and did not immediately envision herself in the role. Gadot was at the top of her list, but scheduling conflicts prevented the “Wonder Woman” star from entering Barbieland.
Barbie Casting Director Reveals Which Stars TURNED DOWN Ken Roles | E! News
Why girls are rejecting the new curvy Barbie?
“The most commonly identified reason for not wanting to play with the curvy doll was her larger size,” Dr Harriger said. Curvy Barbie is similar in height to petite Barbie, but has a more rounded stomach, thicker legs and no gap between her thighs. She is still larger than the average woman.
Amy Schumer explained why she was replaced by Margot Robbie as the iconic doll in Barbie. Schumer, who was attached to the role of Barbie years ago, told Vulture that she left the project because of creative differences. "I think we said it was scheduling conflicts," she claimed.
In Greta Gerwig's just-released film, Greenblatt plays Sasha, an angsty Gen Z tween who lost interest in Barbies long ago and is the daughter of Gloria (America Ferrera). “She is a very layered girl,” Greenblatt says of her character.
Among those that were close to playing Kens were Emmy Award-winning SNL comedian Bowen Yang, Schitt's Creek and The Idol actor Dan Levy, as well as Dear Evan Hansen star Ben Platt.
According to Jones, COVID-19 restrictions at the time meant having to spend three months in London where a great deal of the movie was filmed. And that meant Bowen Yang, Dan Levy, and Ben Platt were out of the running to play Ken.
The Big Picture. Director Greta Gerwig reveals that she saw Ryan Gosling's comedic talent on Saturday Night Live and knew he was perfect for the role of Ken in Barbie. Gosling's participation on SNL showcased his knack for comedy, particularly in sketches like "Papyrus" where he displayed his deadpan delivery.
Schumer was originally cast as Barbie in 2016 but a year later she announced she was leaving the project, citing "scheduling conflicts." She explained the situation further during her chat with Cohen, admitting she actually left for a different reason. "I think we said it was scheduling conflicts," she revealed.
A look at the soundtrack answers that question: Ryan does in fact sing the original song, "I'm Just Ken." When you hear the heartfelt lyrics, "I'm just Ken (And I'm enough) And I'm great at doing stuff," know that it is Ryan's voice you're hearing.
Greta Gerwig Insisted on Ryan Gosling to Play Ken in the Barbie Movie. He Was a Hard Sell. The Barbie director said “it was only ever Ryan Gosling” who could play Ken, but the actor wasn't immediately convinced.
Jonathan Groff was the first choice to play Allan in Barbie. However, Michael Cera was the better option, as the role plays into the type of character that Cera is known for.
Ken (short for Kenneth Carson) hit the toy aisle as Barbie's buyable boyfriend two years after her 1959 debut. He was available in two styles — blond or brunette hair, made of hard plastic — and came dressed in very short red swim trunks. He cost $3.50 and shared a name with the son of Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler.
Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang, Schitt's Creek's Dan Levy, and Dear Evan Hansen's Ben Platt were in the running when the Greta Gerwig-helmed film was starting to round up its cast. Courtesy Warner Bros. "They were, I'm not kidding, really bummed they couldn't do it," casting director Allison Jones said.
And that meant Bowen Yang, Dan Levy, and Ben Platt were out of the running to play Ken. “They were, I'm not kidding, really bummed they couldn't do it,” she said.
Ken was introduced as a male counterpart of Barbie by American toy company Mattel in 1961. He was named after Kenneth Handler, son of Barbie creator/inventor Ruth Handler, just as Barbie was named after her daughter. Ken Handler died in 1994 of a brain tumor.
The Barbie movie centers, of course, on its titular character played by Margot Robbie. But Ken (Ryan Gosling) plays an important role in the drama as he wrangles with the notion that he's long been an accessory in Barbie's dream life more than an equal partner.
How Much Was Margot Robbie Paid For The Barbie Movie - IMDb. Margot Robbie's salary for the Barbie movie was reported to be $12.5 million, matching Ryan Gosling's pay to play Ken. Robbie's involvement in making the Barbie movie happen, along with her star power, explains her high salary.
Ynon Kreiz is the CEO of Mattel and the brainchild behind Barbie's move to the big screen. He's being played by Will Ferrell in Greta Gerwig's film, which is just the start of his ambitious plans for the company's many toy brands.
Gal Gadot was initially considered for the role of Barbie in Greta Gerwig's blockbuster, but Margot Robbie ended up being chosen. Gadot spoke highly of Robbie, saying she is talented, funny, and someone she would love to work with.
