The Surprising List of Actors Considered for Ken in 'Barbie' Movie Revealed by Casting Director

Ryan Gosling stars as Ken, but other A-listers were in the running for the iconic role!

In the highly anticipated "Barbie" movie, Ryan Gosling has landed the coveted role of Ken, Barbie's stylish and charming companion. However, the film's casting director, Allison Jones, recently unveiled the surprising list of actors who were also in consideration for the role of Ken.

In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Allison Jones disclosed that casting the movie involved exploring a diverse array of talent for the iconic Barbie and Ken characters. Unfortunately, some well-known actors were unable to participate due to Covid restrictions during filming, which required the cast and crew to spend three months in London.

Among the notable actors who were initially vying to play Ken, Bowen Yang, Dan Levy, and Ben Platt were unable to join the cast due to these restrictive circumstances. Jones revealed that they were genuinely disappointed about missing the opportunity.

Simu Liu, known for his role in Marvel's "Shang-Chi," expressed a strong desire to take on the role of Ken. Fortunately, his persistence paid off, and he was cast as one of the Kens in the movie.

Another actor who expressed interest in joining the cast was Jonathan Groff, who was eyeing the role of Ken's friend, Allan. Regrettably, due to scheduling conflicts or personal reasons, Groff had to decline the offer. The role of Allan eventually went to the talented Michael Cera.

Director Greta Gerwig was deeply invested in the casting process, emphasizing the importance of getting to know the actors personally before offering them the script to read. Lucy Bevan, who worked alongside Allison Jones as a casting director, revealed that Gerwig wanted to understand the essence of each potential actor and their suitability for the characters.

Ultimately, Margot Robbie was chosen for the lead role of Barbie, ensuring a charismatic and captivating portrayal of the iconic doll. The movie features multiple other Barbies portrayed by a diverse group of talented actresses, including Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and Dua Lipa.

With Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie, this star-studded cast is poised to bring the beloved dolls to life in a way that will captivate audiences of all ages. As fans eagerly await the release of "Barbie," the revelation of the actors who were almost cast as Ken adds an intriguing layer of curiosity and excitement to the upcoming movie.

As the release date draws near, fans can't help but wonder how the chemistry between Gosling and Robbie will unfold on the silver screen. The "Barbie" movie promises to be a delightful and entertaining adventure, celebrating diversity and imagination while staying true to the timeless spirit of Barbie and Ken.