The Barbie cast is truly a sight one shouldn’t miss. While there are some actors who have been working exclusively for television before making this switch, there are others who have been in the film scene for a while. This Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach project starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, Hellen Mirren, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Alexandra Shipp, Kate McKinnon, Dua Lipa, Scott Evans, Nicola Coughlan and Ritu Arya, alongside other cast members.
Seeing the above list should already get people excited for the brilliance that is about to come on screen. However, it would seem that every role in their roster shows why being in this movie is a big compliment because their previous films and shows have either gone on to become cult classics or just critically acclaimed in every way possible. So without any further ado, here are the following films and TV series that you shouldn’t miss before the release of Barbie.
Amazing Movies and Shows by the Barbie Cast
Margot Robbie Movies
I, Tonya
Talk about an emotional range. Margot Robbie managed to blow everyone out of the water with her performance of the infamous figure skating legend. This movie showed her chops in exploring what it was like to be a woman in the profession at that time while also coming from a different financial background. It made her catapult into the scene as a serious actor, and with more projects, she became a prominent face in cinema.
Starring Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan and others, I, Tonya is currently streaming on Hulu.
Babylon
While the film may not have done that well at the box office, it was still stunning to do her job in the film. The actor’s energy, infectious charm and ease were all incredibly entrancing. She pulled viewers into the scene and made it seem like we were right there with her. Additionally, this gave her the opportunity to explore a character who was unapologetically herself. Based on the 1920s film industry, it managed to make everything seem relevant to today’s landscape.
Also tarring Diego Calva, Tobey Maguire, Phoebe Tonkin and others, Babylon is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Films about films make for some great cinema, and working for Quentin Tarantino while you’re at it? A double score. While Robbie hasn’t worked with the director before, he was sure to mention that she was the only one they wanted to play Sharon Tate in their movie. Obviously, the bombshell blonde is a trope, but she managed to bring her levity and depth to the character as well. She was joined by two of the industry’s biggest actors but managed to make an impression so well.
Also starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and others, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Ryan Gosling Movies
Crazy Stupid Love
This is probably where the Kenergy actually came from. Because this movie shows exactly how funny Gosling can be. Ryan Gosling can totally play any kind of character. With his kind of humour, confidence, and sheer disregard for social convention, it is clear that Ken was born here. His character evolved from being a little shrewd to probably more innocent, but that’s it. Otherwise, this movie makes it clear that Gosling was born to play the iconic Barbie character.
Also starring Steve Carrell, Leo Tipton, Julianne Moore and others, Crazy, Stupid, Love is currently streaming on JioCinema.
La La Land
Music and dance were a normal demand in Barbieland, and this movie can be seen as the best preparation. While Ryan’s acting and emotional range brought all the nominations, the dance and music training is what brought all the attention to Greta Gerwig. Gerwig inherently knew that Ryan had the energy to bring Ken to life, and all the musical stuff was just icing on the cake for us to understand the character better. Add the romantic chemistry, and you get the perfect Ken.
Also starring Emma Stone, JK Simmons, John Legend, and others, La La Land is currently streaming on Netflix.
Drive
Even though this film is filled with fast-paced action sequences, we also have some quiet moments of vulnerability and emotional fragility. With this kind of range, there was no way that Ryan Gosling wasn’t becoming Ken. The ability to turn the charm on and off at any time is a talent that Gosling has made use of well in this film. It gives him an innocent look while also showing the potential of what it would look like if he were to switch from his soft boy to villain era.
Also starring Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Oscar Isaac and others, Drive is currently available to purchase from Amazon.
Simu Liu Movies and TV Shows
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Having this be Simu Liu’s first cinematic role is a concept even he could not wrap his head around. Apart from being incredibly physically gifted with the stunts and the fight sequences, the actor was also brilliant comedically. His humour and emotionality are what made the story come to life. While the script itself was incredibly well-written, the performer added so much depth to the role.
Also starring Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Tony Leung and others, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Kim’s Convenience
Even though this show is a comedy, Simu Liu was given some real meat with this character. Even though he has a dangerous streak and is prone to playing dumb pranks, he tries to be the best son he can for his mother. The show in itself is a pretty brilliant look at Korean culture and brings in a new perspective to understand the characters. The show is critically acclaimed and has won many awards. Liu has truly made such a good resume that it makes sense he was called to play a Ken.
Also starring Paul Sun-hyung Lee, Greta Yoon, Andrea Banf and others, Kim’s Convenience is currently streaming on Netflix.
Emma Mackey Movies and TV Shows
Sex Education
Being one of the main characters on this show, Emma Mackey managed to bring every unapologetic girl a model to look at. People could see themselves in her character. Additionally, while this character could easily become a trope, the actor always made it look like she was bringing something different every episode. With the last season of the series coming soon, we will be able to see how they give her character the ending she deserves. Along with Ncuti Gatwa, the two of them became icons for showing healthy masculinity and femininity.
Also starring Asa Butterfield, Aimme Lou Woods, Connor Swindells and others, Sex Education is currently streaming on Netflix.
Death on the Nile
A murder mystery on a boat sounds incredibly interesting, but to see Mackey play a jilted lover is a new look on her. Compared to the actor’s other popular roles, this one is slightly different because we see her youthfulness come through. Even though the character has layers and is clearly capable of carrying a scene by herself, there is a naivete that comes from youth, and it is brilliantly expressed in this film. Seeing the few short clips from Barbie, we can conclude that there will be some of that youthfulness in this film as well (much happier, of course!).
Also sarring Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Ali Fazal and others, Death on the Nile is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
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America Ferrera Movies and TV Shows
Superstore
Imagine a store where people can buy whatever they want and the chaos that reigns there. Well, America Ferrera’s character was a floor supervisor and then a manager at this place. Her character was bubbly, incredibly sarcastic, and carried optimism but didn’t share for reasons unknown. Her character sounds incredibly similar to the one in Barbie. She is a human in this film but still enamoured by the world of dolls. This show just shows how she has the ability to thrive in any medium.
Also starring Ben Feldman, Nichole Sakura and others, Superstore is currently streaming on Netflix and JioCinema.
How to Train Your Dragon (The Film Series)
Animation is even more difficult to do than normal filming. Conveying all meaning through voice is a feat. Playing Astrid in this film definitely gave the actor the edge over other actors because the character’s personality is incredibly strong and full of life. She also made Astrid the female role model everyone loved. America was strong but also ready to be pushed out of her comfort zone. The character with the dragon and Hiccup was what made the movie series so amazing.
Also starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler and others, How to Train Your Dragon is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Issa Rae Movies and TV Shows
Insecure
There are no words for Issa Rae because the reason why she is the President of Barbieland is because she is truly a genius. Creating a show from a web series was fantastic. It gave her the opportunity to explore life in an autobiographical way but also show audiences some drama and entertainment in the best way. The actor served as a writer as well on the show, and it shows in the confidence she brings to this movie as well.
Also starring Yvonne Orji, Natasha Rothwell and others, Insecure is currently streaming on JioCinema.
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse
Imagine a pregnant woman who is a superhero making everyone look terrible in comparison because she is just that well-adjusted and confident in her abilities. Issa’s character made Gwen feel like she must be adopted. There is literally no topping that. Additionally, the animated medium is a great way to build some ability in a different art form. Given this actor’s capacity to dabble in multiple streams, this one was a slam dunk in her favour.
Also starring Oscar Isaac, Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld and others, Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse is currently being screened in theatres.
Michael Cera Movies and TV Shows
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
This cult classic has become so famous that they are even releasing an anime to commemorate the original. Michael Cera truly has the corner on shy, awkward boys who fall in love with strong female characters. Even in Barbie, he is Allan, a doll nobody remembers, but he still has the vibe that he must be included in places because he is kind of like family. With this movie, he showed what it was like to be that kid but also grow up to be something more brave by the end.
The film also stars Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans and others. Scott Pilgrim vs the World is currently streaming on JioCinema.
Arrested Development
Comedy at its darkest and finest comes from this series. Even though the actor looked like a baby in this series, his comedic timing and expressions truly make the series some of the funniest mockumentary sitcoms ever. This is defining role, the one that makes him the perfect candidate to be in comedy films and shows. Apart from showing his range of talent, it also takes advantage of his physicality and performance.
Along with Michael, the series also stars Jason Bateman, Alia Sawkat and others. Arrested Development is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Barbie will be releasing in theatres on July 21, 2023.
Which of these movies or TV shows will you be binging before the pink season rolls around? Which of these gives the biggest Barbie vibe? Let us know in the comments below.
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