Is there any other movie hitting theaters in 2023 with more intrigue than Greta Gerwig‘s “Barbie“? Sure, maybe a couple, but Gerwig’s follow-up to 2019’s “Little Women” ranks high with moviegoers because it’s such an audacious concept. A $100 million live-action film about Mattel‘s legendary toy with Margot Robbie as the titular fashion doll? Don’t laugh if Gerwig and co-screenwriter Noah Baumbach pull off a cultural sensation with this one, especially if Ryan Gosling brings the “ken-ergy,” as he promises to…
And Robbie and Gosling’s “Barbie” co-star Will Ferrell feels like Gerwig may be onto something special with the upcoming film. In an interview with WSJ. Magazine, Ferrell debriefed a little bit about his take on the movie. And, not surprisingly, he thinks it may end up being an extraordinary film. “It is, in my humble opinion, the ultimate example of high art and low art,” Ferrell said in the interview. “It’s a loving homage to the brand and, at the same time, couldn’t be more satirical—just an amazing comment on male patriarchy and women in society and why Barbie’s criticized and yet why every little girl still wants to play with Barbie.”
So, for those who hope Gerwig and Baumbach have something shrewd up their sleeve with “Barbie,” Ferrell’s comments confirm this film may live up (and defy!) expectations. And Ferrell knew the movie would be a winner from the moment he first read the script. “Boy, when I read it, I was like, ‘This is fantastic,’ Ferrell continued. ‘I get to play the CEO of Mattel and be that guy who’s just insensitive but weird and then, not to spoil anything, but…. Anyway, that’s what excites me.” One wonders how big a role Ferrell’s Mattel CEO will have in the film, given its gigantic ensemble cast. But expect Ferrell to make an impression, as only the comedian can.
And the ensemble cast of “Barbie” is indeed huge. Along with Robbie, Gosling, and Ferrell the film also stars Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Rhea Pearlman, and Emma Mackey. The movie also features other Barbies and Kens than Robbie and Gosling, including Simu Liu, Issa Rae, Hari Nef, and Ncuti Gatwa. America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Emerald Fennell also star in the upcoming film, along with several others.
As for Ferrell, he co-stars with Ryan Reynolds in “Spirited,” Apple‘s new take on “A Christmas Carol,” streaming on AppleTV+ now. He has two other movies coming in 2023, too: the voice lead in the adult animated film “Strays” and a currently untitled comedy with Sandra Oh and Awkwafina.
But make no mistake: “Barbie” is Will Ferrell’s big movie in 2023. Gerwig’s latest film hits theaters everywhere on July 21, 2023, courtesy of Warner Bros. Mark your calendars, moviegoers.