The Evolution of Barbie's Leading Ladies: From Amy Schumer to Margot Robbie
The world of cinema is a dynamic world, where casting choices can often surprise us. When it comes to the iconic role of Barbie, Margot Robbie may be the actress we now associate with the character, but she wasn't the first choice. In an interesting turn of events, comedian Amy Schumer was initially considered for the lead role in a live-action Barbie movie. Let's learn about the evolution of the Barbie casting saga and the journey that led to Margot Robbie achieving the iconic personality.
Amy Schumer's near miss
In June 2016, the entertainment world was filled with excitement when it was announced that Amy Schumer would be playing the role of Barbie in the live-action adaptation. However, months later, Schumer dropped a bombshell – she would no longer be a part of the project. During an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" on June 8, he explained his decision, citing "scheduling conflicts" as the official reason. But creative differences behind the scenes played a role in his departure.
A new direction for Barbie
After Amy Schumer exited the film, the Barbie film faced a crossroads. The project eventually reached Warner Bros. and Margot Robbie stepped in, not only as the leading lady but also as a co-producer. Robbie's involvement signaled a new direction for the film.
In an interview with Vogue, Robbie revealed that her original vision for the character of Barbie was Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot. Robbie praised Gadot's "impossibly beautiful" appearance as well as her genuine sincerity and enthusiasm, making her the ideal candidate for the role. While Gadot ultimately didn't land the role of Barbie, her name adds another layer of intrigue to the casting process.
Sasha Ronan's missed opportunity
As if the Barbie casting trip couldn't get any more surprising, "Lady Bird" star Saoirse Ronan revealed she was supposed to make a cameo in the film. While in London, where filming took place, Ronan had to play another Barbie character. However, circumstances prevented her from participating, leaving her "disappointed" to have missed the opportunity.
Greta Gerwig's Cameo Dreams
Director Greta Gerwig dreamed up her own cameo for the Barbie film, eyeing actors Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan. Unfortunately, both Chalamet and Ronan were unable to join the cast for various reasons. Gerwig expressed her affection for these actors and compared her attachment to them to maternal instincts, despite not being their real mothers.
While the focus has largely been on the female lead, Barbie's male counterpart, Ken, faced his own challenges during the casting process. Casting director Allison Jones revealed that Dan Levy of "Schitt's Creek" was initially considered for the role. However, the film's extended shooting in London made it impossible for Levy to do so. Additionally, Bowen Yang of "Saturday Night Live" and Ben Platt of "Pitch Perfect" were also cast as Kane.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Groff expressed his disappointment at not being able to portray Allen, with the role eventually going to Michael Cera.
In conclusion, the journey of casting Barbie has been a rollercoaster ride of unexpected turns and missed opportunities. From Amy Schumer's almost starring role to Margot Robbie's iconic portrayal, the Barbie movie has taken a unique path in finding its leading lady. The casting process for supporting characters such as Kane and Alan also added layers of complexity to the story. Amidst all this, Barbie's evolution to the big screen continues to be a subject of fascination and intrigue in the world of cinema.
