Greta Gerwig’s upcoming kitschy comedyBarbieis shaping up to be one of the biggest summer hits ever (not just of 2023). Based on Mattel’s iconic doll, this is the first live-action adaptation of Barbie, Ken, their many iterations, and friends. From the moment it was announced to the launch of the two teaser trailers—every marketing move by teamBarbiehas struck gold. It has generated a rare kind of euphoria intermingled with nostalgia among Millennials, Gen Zs, and beyond.Barbiehasn’t even been released yet and is already a phenomenon. Everyone has their ownBarbie-style poster and dream cast suggestion, even though the existing cast line-up is already extensive and impressive.

Gerwig spoke with Grazia Magazineand said that when she was approached by Margot Robbie (who’s also producing the film) to direct what is turning out to be an iconic film, she felt it could actually end her career.

Margot Robbie as a glammed-up Barbie

“I had what felt like vertigo when starting to write it, like, where do you even begin? What would be the story? I knew that it would be really interesting terror. Usually that’s where the best stuff is. Anything where I’m like this could be a career ender – I probably should do it.”

Why Our Hopes Are So High

Even though Hollywood has a long history of fumbling the bag with ensemble projects (notably barring the MCU),Barbieseems to be in the safest hands possible. The Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globes nominated director of modern-dayfeminist bildungsromane stories(Lady Bird,Little Women) co-wrote the film with partner Noah Baumbach (Frances Ha,Marriage Story). And that’s not even all. The main crew of the film is phenomenal too.

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The film’s music is by two-time Oscar winner Alexandre Desplat (The Shape of Water,TheGrand Budapest Hotel), the cinematography is by three-time Oscar winner Rodrigo Prieto (Brokeback Mountain,Silence,The Irishman), and it is edited by Emmy winner Nick Houy (Lady Bird,Little Women). There is also a crazily excellent cast, led by Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. The film has everyone from Kate McKinnon to Issa Rae, namely Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, Dua Lipa, Simu Liu, Nicola Coughlan, Hari Nef, Scott Evans, Alexandra Shipp, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Kingsley Ben-Adir.Gatwa and Mackey’sSex Educationco-star Connor Swindles is there too but not as one of the Kens. Joining Swindles in the cast of non-Barbies & non-Kens are Michael Cera, Emerald Fennell, Will Ferrell, Jamie Demetriou, and Helen Mirren as the narrator. Then there’s America Ferrera, Rhea Perlman, John Cena, Ariana Greenblatt, and Marisa Abela in yet-undisclosed roles.

If the cadre of mega award winners and nominees on the cast and crew is any indication, thisBarbiewill not end any careers, but bag major awards come the season of glitz and glory. And if your head is spinning already, you are on the wrong article because now we are about to throw a few more names at you.

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The Other Could-Have-Been Barbies & Kens

Barbiedoesn’t need a fan cast list because the cast is already so dreamy. But we do think there are a few more people who could be dream additions to the cast.

Michelle Yeoh: This Barbie can beat you up.Does Gerwig’sBarbiehave an action Barbie? One who can fly through the air, do the perfect karate chops, but possibly choose to teach you non-combat related life lessons instead?Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, the bonafide action star, would have made theater crowds lose their minds.

Katrina Kaif: The Bollywood Barbie.Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaifhappens to be the first (and only so far) Indian actress to have a legit Barbie doll crafted to her likeness by Mattel. So while the South Asian representation is in Gerwig’sBarbie, featuring Kaif in any promotional event would be a great way to rope in the overzealous Bollywood fandom worldwide to flock to the cinema halls in July.

Trixie Mattel: This Barbie spits facts.Her dynamic persona (including her drag name Mattel) is inspired by Barbie dolls and the whole Barbie aesthetics! She has even shared her massive Barbie doll collection on her YouTube channel. However, not having her on board the Gerwig film feels like a missed opportunity. It would have been a firecracker of a tie-up. Perhaps the marketing team can collaborate with her for promotional content.

Barbie Ferreira: It’s literally her name.After the odd blink-and-you-miss role inNope, theEuphoriagraduate will be seen in two horror films,House of Spoilsand the controversial remake of the mondo horror filmFaces of Death. She could’ve been the “Halloween Barbie” with oodles of witchy and whimsigoth vibes!

Simone Ashley: This Barbie hates British tea.We can never have enough South Asian representation. Simone’s Kate onBridgertonbecame an instant hit with the desi community the moment she chose to diss bland British tea and went away to concoct her own masala chai far from the madding ton crowd.

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Ken Jeong: The unhinged Ken.The only other Ken we would want to see is an unhinged one. And who better thanCommunityandHangover’s resident chaotic evil pot stirrer? Ken Jeong can step into that role like no other. Of course, it’s his name, too. Still, the man is such a terrific performer that roles are molded and remolded to ensure he stays on—there’s no other way to explain Jeong going from a Spanish teacher in season one to a bonkers dictator to a successful actor on the Dan Harmon creation within six seasons.