Comedic legend Will Ferrell will be continuing his Hollywood success, as he has now signed on to join Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and many more in Greta Gerwig's upcoming Barbie film for Warner Bros.
At first glance, Warner Bros.' Barbie adaptation may not be associated with something much more complex and weighty. However, with a script from Greta Gerwig and her partner Noah Baumbach, both of whom are coming off of Academy Award-winning or nominated films such as Lady Bird, the Little Women remake, and the critically acclaimed Marriage Story, as well as Gerwig behind the camera, the upcoming film is shaping up to be a big awards season contender.
The Hollywood Reporter confirms Ferrell has officially joined the cast, as Robbie and Gosling were confirmed to play the titular roles of Barbie and Ken this past fall (even though Gosling initially turned down the part). Per THR, "Ferrell is said to be playing the CEO of a toy company that may or not be Mattel." Other big names such as Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, and America Ferrera have been cast in undisclosed roles.
If Ferrell's work in iconic comedies such as Elf, Anchorman, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Step Brothers, The Other Guys, and The Campaign - as well as dramas like Everything Must Go, Downhill, and the short film David - are any indication, he could easily deliver a very layered performance. And now working with Academy Award-winning talents in Gerwig and Baumbach, there's no limit as to what he can bring to the table.
Other than his recent success with other films like Netflix's Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, Ferrell is also set to star as Present in the upcoming American Christmas-themed musical film, Spirited, and will be joining Paul Rudd and Kathryn Hahn in the psychological black comedy-drama miniseries, The Shrink Next Door. Both of those projects will premiere on Apple TV Plus.
Barbie's plot details remain unknown, but reports indicate that the film began principal photography in the UK this past March. Other than Warner Bros.' attachment, Robbie will also serve as a producer for the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment production company with co-founder and husband Tom Ackerley. The production company was behind films such as Birds of Prey, I, Tonya, and Promising Young Woman.
Barbie is currently filming and will release sometime in 2023.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter