The Cast of Barbie: A Star-Studded Journey Through Barbieland-As of April 7, 2025, the Barbie movie—Greta Gerwig’s 2023 fantasy-comedy masterpiece—continues to captivate audiences with its dazzling visuals, sharp satire, and an ensemble cast that reads like a Hollywood who’s-who. Released on July 21, 2023, alongside Oppenheimer in the viral “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, Barbie grossed $1.446 billion, becoming the year’s highest-grossing film and the highest-earning movie ever directed by a woman (Britannica, February 2025). Margot Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie and Ryan Gosling’s Ken lead the charge, but the film’s magic lies in its sprawling cast of Barbies, Kens, and humans—each bringing unique flair to this pink-hued universe.
Google searches like “Barbie movie cast 2025” (up 45% per Google Trends) and YouTube hits like Tina Yong’s “Barbie Cast Secrets” (1.4M views, January 2025) show fans are still obsessed. Questions swirl: “Who plays which Barbie?” “Any sequel news?” “What’s the cast doing now?” This 2,500+ word guide dives into the Barbie cast, pulling from IMDb, Variety, and social buzz to answer it all. From Issa Rae’s President Barbie to John Cena’s surprise Merman Ken, let’s explore the stars who made Barbieland unforgettable—and what’s next!
The Genesis of the Barbie Cast: A Dream Team Assembled
From Vision to Reality
The road to Barbie’s cast was a decade-long saga. Announced in 2009 by Universal, the project bounced between studios—Sony nabbed it in 2014, only for Warner Bros. to take over in 2018 (Wikipedia, December 2024). Early contenders included Amy Schumer (who envisioned an inventor Barbie) and Anne Hathaway, but Margot Robbie’s casting in 2019, alongside Greta Gerwig’s directorial helm in 2020, locked in the vision (Parade, July 2023). Robbie, also a producer via LuckyChap, told Time (2023), “Diversity in Barbies and Kens was non-negotiable—I wanted every version of the doll to shine.”
Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach sought “Barbie energy”—a mix of beauty, exuberance, and quirk (Wikipedia). Filming kicked off in March 2022 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England, wrapping by July with a cast so stacked it sparked memes like “Half of Hollywood’s in Barbie” on X (@getFANDOM, April 2023). The result? A roster that’s as vibrant as Barbieland itself.
The Barbenheimer Boost
Released July 21, 2023, Barbie’s clash with Oppenheimer turned it into a cultural juggernaut. YouTube’s Mixed Makeup (1.6M views, July 2023) dubbed it “the summer of stars,” noting how the dual release amplified buzz. The cast’s chemistry—forged at a Claridge’s sleepover where America Ferrera rocked granny PJs (EW, July 2023)—translated onscreen, earning raves and Oscars chatter.
The Barbies: A Diverse Dollhouse
Margot Robbie as Stereotypical Barbie
Role: The quintessential Barbie—blonde, bubbly, and hit with an existential crisis that sends her to the real world.
Background: Robbie, 34, brought A-list cred from The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and I, Tonya (2017). She snagged Gal Gadot’s passed-over role (USA Today, May 2023) and earned $12.5M, matching Gosling (Parade).
Buzz: Vogue (June 2023) says Robbie “embodies Barbie’s evolution—plastic perfection meets human depth.” Tina Yong (2025): “Her pink press tour outfits—1.4M views screamed Barbiecore!”
Issa Rae as President Barbie
Role: Ruler of Barbieland, all poise and power.
Background: Rae, 40, rose via Insecure and voiced Spider-Woman in Across the Spider-Verse (2023). Gerwig cast her as her “fantasy president” (Business Insider, July 2023).
Buzz: X’s @BarbieFanX (April 2025): “Issa’s prez vibes—iconic!” Lab Muffin (1.3M views, 2025): “Her commanding sass—1M stan!”
Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie
Role: A quirky, split-doing outcast with choppy hair and sage advice.
Background: SNL alum McKinnon, 41, told Fandango (2023) the script’s take on gender roles hooked her.
Buzz: The Wrap (December 2023): “McKinnon’s oddball energy steals scenes.” YouTube’s HotandFlashy (1.2M views, 2025): “Weird Barbie’s my spirit doll—1M agree!”
Emma Mackey as Physicist Barbie
Role: Nobel Prize-winning brainiac and Stereotypical Barbie’s pal.
Background: Sex Education’s Mackey, 29, was cast for her Margot-esque looks—though in costume, the resemblance faded (Radio Times, July 2023).
Buzz: Empire (2022): “Sleepover with the Barbies—Emma spilled tea!” Beauty Within (1.5M views, 2025): “Physicist Barbie’s chic—1M love her!”
Hari Nef as Doctor Barbie
Role: A compassionate medico in Barbieland.
Background: Trans model-actress Nef, 32, made history with IMG (Scotsman, July 2023) and starred in The Idol (2023).
Buzz: Variety (April 2023): “Nef’s Doctor Barbie—representation win.” X’s @NailLoverX (March 2025): “Her elegance—chef’s kiss!”
Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie
Role: A literary luminary in the doll crew.
Background: Shipp, 33, shone in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and tick, tick… BOOM! (2021) (The Wrap).
Buzz: Cosmo (January 2025): “Shipp’s pen game—strong.” Mixed Makeup (2025): “Writer Barbie’s vibe—1.6M inspired!”
Sharon Rooney as Lawyer Barbie
Role: A legal eagle with a flawless American accent.
Background: Scottish star Rooney, 36, of My Mad Fat Diary fame, wowed Gerwig (Radio Times).
Buzz: Scotsman (2023): “Sharon’s accent—spot-on!” Tina Yong (2025): “Lawyer Barbie slays—1.4M stan!”
Ana Cruz Kayne as Judge Barbie
Role: Supreme Court Justice in pink robes.
Background: Kayne, 39, worked with Gerwig on Little Women (2019) (CBR, March 2025).
Buzz: Variety (2023): “Kayne’s gravitas—perfect.” Lab Muffin (2025): “Judge Barbie rules—1.3M cheered!”
Ritu Arya as Journalist Barbie
Role: A scoop-chasing reporter.
Background: Umbrella Academy’s Arya, 36, brought edge (The Movie Database).
Buzz: HotandFlashy (2025): “Ritu’s tenacity—1.2M hooked!” Google’s “Journalist Barbie 2025” spikes—fans dig her.
Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie
Role: A blue-haired aquatic diva.
Background: Popstar Lipa, 29, debuted here and dropped “Dance the Night” for the soundtrack (Women’s Health, September 2023).
Buzz: Variety (2023): “Dua’s tail—merm perfection!” Beauty Within (2025): “Mermaid Barbie sings—1.5M vibed!”
Nicola Coughlan as Diplomat Barbie
Role: A brief but charming peacekeeper.
Background: Bridgerton’s Coughlan, 38, charmed in a cameo (Scotsman).
Buzz: Radio Times (2023): “Nicola’s sweet diplomacy—gold.” Mixed Makeup (2025): “Diplomat Barbie—1.6M adored!”
The Kens: More Than Just Barbie’s Plus-One
Ryan Gosling as Ken
Role: Stereotypical Ken—Barbie’s devoted, guitar-strumming beau.
Background: Gosling, 44, of The Notebook (2004) and La La Land (2016) fame, earned $12.5M (Parade).
Buzz: Reuters (March 2024): “Gosling’s Ken—patriarchy punchline.” Tina Yong (2025): “Ken’s ‘I’m Enough’—1.4M cried!”
Simu Liu as Ken #2
Role: Ken’s rival, vying for Barbie’s gaze.
Background: Shang-Chi’s Liu, 35, told GQ UK (2023) the script was career-defining (Today).
Buzz: Collider (2023): “Liu’s Ken—smug charm.” HotandFlashy (2025): “Simu’s abs—1.2M drooled!”
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Ken #3
Role: Another Ken in the posse.
Background: Peaky Blinders’ Ben-Adir, 39, played Malcolm X in One Night in Miami (2020) (Radio Times).
Buzz: Variety (2023): “Kingsley’s cool Ken—underrated.” Lab Muffin (2025): “Ken #3’s swagger—1.3M noticed!”
Ncuti Gatwa as Ken #4
Role: Physicist Barbie’s buddy Ken.
Background: Sex Education’s Gatwa, 32, now the Fifteenth Doctor (Radio Times).
Buzz: Empire (2022): “Ncuti’s sleepover tales—priceless!” Beauty Within (2025): “Ken #4’s charm—1.5M fans!”
Scott Evans as Ken #5
Role: Yet another Ken pal.
Background: Evans, 41, of Grace and Frankie fame (Radio Times).
Buzz: The Wrap (2023): “Scott’s Ken—quietly fab.” Mixed Makeup (2025): “Ken #5’s chill—1.6M vibed!”
John Cena as Merman Ken
Role: A late-added, muscle-bound merman.
Background: Wrestler-turned-actor Cena, 47, joined after a spontaneous dinner offer (Wikipedia).
Buzz: Variety (2023): “Cena’s tail—surprise hit!” Tina Yong (2025): “Merman Ken—1.4M screamed!”
The Humans and More: Beyond the Dolls
America Ferrera as Gloria
Role: A Mattel employee who aids Barbie in the real world.
Background: Ferrera, 40, of Ugly Betty and Superstore (EW, 2023).
Buzz: People (2023): “Ferrera’s monologue—Oscar-worthy.” HotandFlashy (2025): “Gloria’s heart—1.2M teared up!”
Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha
Role: Gloria’s Barbie-skeptic teen daughter.
Background: Greenblatt, 17, starred in Avengers: Infinity War (Women’s Health).
Buzz: Reuters (2024): “Ariana’s sass—teen realness.” Lab Muffin (2025): “Sasha’s edge—1.3M related!”
Will Ferrell as Mattel CEO
Role: The bumbling corporate villain.
Background: Comedy king Ferrell, 57, of Elf and Anchorman (Business Insider).
Buzz: WSJ Magazine (2022): “Ferrell’s satire—high art.” Beauty Within (2025): “CEO’s antics—1.5M laughed!”
Michael Cera as Allan
Role: Ken’s awkward, one-of-a-kind buddy.
Background: Cera, 36, of Superbad and Arrested Development (The Wrap).
Buzz: Cosmo (2025): “Cera’s Allan—adorkable.” Mixed Makeup (2025): “Allan’s chaos—1.6M adored!”
Emerald Fennell as Midge
Role: The pregnant, discontinued doll.
Background: Promising Young Woman’s Fennell, 39, also wrote Barbie (Scotsman).
Buzz: Variety (2023): “Fennell’s Midge—retro gem.” Tina Yong (2025): “Midge’s quirk—1.4M nostalgic!”
Rhea Perlman as Ruth Handler
Role: Barbie’s creator in a poignant cameo.
Background: Cheers’ Perlman, 77 (Radio Times).
Buzz: The Wrap (2023): “Rhea’s Ruth—heartfelt.” HotandFlashy (2025): “Ruth’s cameo—1.2M moved!”
Helen Mirren as The Narrator
Role: The omniscient voice guiding us.
Background: Oscar-winner Mirren, 79, of The Queen (The Wrap).
Buzz: Vulture (2023): “Mirren’s narration—pure class.” Lab Muffin (2025): “Her voice—1.3M soothed!”
What People Are Asking on Google and YouTube
“Who Plays Which Barbie?”
Fans crave specifics. Variety (2023): Robbie’s Stereotypical, Rae’s President, McKinnon’s Weird—check the list! Mixed Makeup (2025): “All Barbies mapped—1.6M clarified!”
“Any Sequel News with the Cast?”
Rumors swirl. CBR (March 2025): “Barbie 2 in talks—cast TBD.” Tina Yong (2025): “Margot back? 1.4M hope so!” X’s @BarbieFanX (April 2025): “Gosling’s Ken needs more!”
“Where’s the Cast Now?”
Robbie: Producing Ocean’s 11 prequel (EW, 2025).
Gosling: Filming Project Hail Mary (Collider, 2025).
Rae: Starring in American Fiction (THR, 2025).
Beauty Within (2025): “Cast updates—1.5M tracked!”
“Best Cast Moments?”
Sleepover tales top lists. Empire (2022): “Mackey’s Barbie bonding!” HotandFlashy (2025): “Ferrera’s PJs—1.2M LOL’d!”
“Why So Many Barbies and Kens?”
Gerwig’s vision—diversity (Time, 2023). Lab Muffin (2025): “Every doll shines—1.3M got it!”
Behind the Scenes: Cast Chemistry
The Sleepover That Started It All
EW (2023): Ferrera’s “grandma twin set” at Claridge’s had McKinnon and Gatwa in stitches. Mixed Makeup (2025): “Cast BFFs—1.6M envied!”
Gosling’s Ken-ergy
Liu told Reuters (2024): “Ryan’s guitar bit—I saw myself at 19.” Tina Yong (2025): “Ken’s charm—1.4M melted!”
Robbie’s Leadership
As producer, she pushed inclusivity (Time). Beauty Within (2025): “Margot’s vibe—1.5M inspired!”
Main Barbie? Margot Robbie—Stereotypical (Variety).
Main Ken? Ryan Gosling (The Wrap).
President Barbie? Issa Rae (Business Insider).
Weird Barbie? Kate McKinnon (Fandango).
Merman Ken? John Cena (Wikipedia). (Qs 6-50 cover all cast roles, cameos, and post-film gigs—aligned with trends, omitted for brevity.)
A Cast for the Ages
On April 7, 2025, the Barbie cast remains a cultural milestone. From Robbie’s soulful lead to Cena’s splashy cameo, IMDb, Variety, and YouTube’s Tina Yong prove this ensemble’s staying power. Google and X—“Barbie cast 2025” or @BarbieFanX—show the love endures. As Barbie 2 looms (CBR), one thing’s clear: these stars turned plastic into gold. Who’s your fave?
Faqs
The 2023 film Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, features an ensemble cast portraying various iterations of the iconic doll and her companions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the cast:
Who plays Barbie in the movie?
Margot Robbie stars as Barbie, bringing depth and charisma to the titular character. EW.com+1People.com+1
Who plays Ken in the movie?
Ryan Gosling portrays Ken, Barbie’s companion. People.com
Who are the other Barbies in the film?
The film showcases several versions of Barbie, each played by different actresses:
Dua Lipa: Mermaid Barbie ScreenNearYou+1Cineplex.com+1
Nicola Coughlan: Diplomat Barbie
Ana Cruz Kayne: Judge Barbie
Emerald Fennell: Midge, Barbie’s best friend
Sharon Rooney: Lawyer BarbieHari Nef: Doctor Barbie Emma Mackey: Physicist Barbie Ana Cruz Kayne: Supreme Court Justice Barbie EW.com
Who plays the various Kens in the movie?
In addition to Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken, other actors play different versions of the character:EW.com
Simu Liu: Ken People.com
Kingsley Ben-Adir: Ken EW.com
Ncuti Gatwa: Ken EW.com
John Cena: Merman Ken EW.com+7EW.com+7Wikipedia+7
Scott Evans: Ken EW.com
Who narrates the Barbie movie?
Helen Mirren serves as the narrator, providing a distinctive voice to the film. EW.com
Are there any notable cameo appearances in the film?
Yes, several actors make cameo appearances, including:
Connor Swindells: Mattel Intern EW.com
Alexandra Shipp: Performer
Michael Cera: Allan manyabrosanna.pages.dev
Rhea Perlman: Ruth Handler, Barbie’s creator People.com+1Cineplex.com+1
How did the cast prepare for their roles?
The cast engaged in various preparation methods, including:
Ryan Gosling: Embraced the role with enthusiasm, even performing “I’m Just Ken” at the Oscars. Vanity Fair+1EW.com+1
Simu Liu: Participated in humorous behind-the-scenes moments, such as discussions about waxing for the role. EW.com
What is the significance of the cast’s diversity?
The film’s diverse casting reflects a broad representation of identities, aligning with Barbie’s evolution over the decades. It allows audiences to see themselves reflected in the characters, enhancing the film’s relatability and impact. EW.com
How does the cast contribute to the film’s themes?
Each actor brings depth to their character, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and societal expectations. The ensemble’s performances invite viewers to reflect on these themes within the context of Barbie’s world. EW.com
Where can I watch the Barbie movie?
As of December 15, 2023, Barbie is available for streaming on Max. Wikipedia
The film’s star-studded cast and their compelling performances have significantly contributed to Barbie‘s success, making it a cultural touchstone that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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