Barbie has been a hot topic in the media after the drop of its first official trailer. The cast is star-studded, with names like Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, and Simu Liu. Despite the "Barbie-core" aesthetic and A-listers on screen, the biggest topic of conversation has been about the choice of Ryan Gosling as Ken.
However, whether Gosling looks too old to be the picture-perfect Ken doll is not the topic of today's article. We are going to take a look at the cast as a whole and dive into where they got their starts in Hollywood.
Some stars broke through by starring in their first role, while others worked their way up through various productions, and still others got their start in comedy or stunt work. Here is where Margot Robbie and the cast of the 2023 film Barbie got their acting start.
10 The Wolf Of Wall Street Was Margot Robbie's Big Break
Margot Robbie is likely remembered for her roles in blockbuster films like Suicide Squad and I, Tonya, but the star has been acting since 2008. Even the films that were not big hits helped to boost her fame, leading her take the role of main Barbie in the 2023 film Barbie.
Her very first role was in an episode of the TV series City Homicide, followed by a few various television episodes and films. Robbie's big break, however, came in 2013 when she was cast as Naomi in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street. Working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill shot her into stardom.
9 Ryan Gosling Started In Television Acting
Ryan Gosling began acting in 1995. While he is now known as an A-List star, he got his start in one-off episodes of various television shows. His first appearance was in The Mickey Mouse Club and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, followed later by Goosebumps, Avonlea, and Ready or Not, all within a year.
Since then, Gosling has gone on to become a Hollywood superstar. He has put himself through uncomfortable roles, like in Crazy, Stupid, Love as well as fun productions like La La Land, The Notebook, Blade Runner 2049, and Gray Man. Ryan also has four productions other than Barbie releasing in 2023 and beyond that are currently in production, including Project Hail Mary and an Ocean's 11 franchise film.
8 Ariana Greenblatt Was A Disney Channel Star
Ariana Greenblatt was hired to play Sasha in Barbie, despite her short acting resume. The star has only been cast in 15 productions thus far, with the earliest being in 2015.
Greenblatt's first television appearance was in an episode of Liv and Maddie, and two years later Disney hired her again to be part of the "DuckTales Theme Song" music video. Even though she may not have many titles to her name, those she does have are from impressive franchises, including Avengers: Infinity War, Scoob!, The Boss Baby, and Awake.
7 John Cena's Claim To Fame Was Through WWE
John Cena is a Hollywood favorite. His acting career has taken off in recent years, and he has been in several big-name movies, such as Trainwreck, The Suicide Squad, F9: The Fast Saga, and Dolittle. Before being on the big screen, however, his acting was put to a much different use.
Cena's claim to fame was through WWE. As a professional wrestler, he appeared on several WWE television shows as well as WrestleMania spinoff series. Not only will he play a Ken in Barbie, but he has eleven other titles in various stages of production. Some of these are Fast X, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Coyote v. Acme.
6 Will Ferrell Began Acting In 1995
Will Ferrell is among America's favorite actors, as he portrays excellent comedy as well more series roles. Some of his most beloved productions include Elf, Anchorman, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and The Lego Movie. He has raked in such an impressive net worth that he has moved his acting career into a path of movies that bring him joy, rather than acting for money.
Ferrell's acting career began in 1995 with a few television shows: On Our Own, Grace Under Fire, and Living Single. He has been a part of so many franchises and blockbuster hits over the years, it seems only natural that one of his upcoming roles is as Mattel CEO for the Barbie movie.
5 What Katy Did Was Michael Cera's First Movie
Michael Cera is a face that many have seen by this point. He has been in so many productions, ranging from Superbad to Juno to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World to Arrested Development. Despite all of his hit movies, there are some films he regrets doing and some parts he regrets not taking.
Cera's career began in 1999 with television acting. While he started with a few one-off roles in a few series, he was able to land a reoccurring role in the TV show I Was a Sixth Grade Alien. Michael went on to take several roles a year since his first production, making him the star he is today and preparing him for the part of Allan in Barbie.
4 Emma Mackey's First Appearance Was The TV Short Badger Lane
Emma Mackey is among the least-experienced of the stars in Barbie. Though she was hired to play another Barbie character, she only began her career in 2020.
Technically her first role was in 2016 when she snagged a role on the TV short Badger Lane, but after that she did not book another role until 2020. Mackey's short resume includes the films Death on the Nile, Emily, and the television series Sex Education.
3 Simu Liu Started In Stunt Work
Some people know Simu Liu from his starring role in Kim's Convenience, while others recognize him as the first Asian superhero in the MCU. He has been in other productions, like Taken and One True Loves, as well as worked as a stuntperson in his early days of Hollywood.
His acting start on the screen, however, is thanks to various television series. Liu's very first role was on the show Nikita, followed later by the TV shows Omega and Played. Now, he will appear in Barbie as one of the many Kens.
2 Real Women Have Curves Was America Ferrera's First Production
America Ferrera has been in over 50 productions since the start of her career two decades ago. Some of her most recognizable work comes from movies like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, as well as television shows like Ugly Betty and Superstore. She is voicing the character Gloria in this Barbie film.
Ferrera's first acting job, however, comes from the comedy drama film Real Women Have Curves. The movie released in 2002, and America starred as the main character, Ana Garcia. This production rocketed her into stardom, as she has been acting nonstop since then.
1 Kate McKinnon Got Her Start In Comedy
Kate McKinnon is a recognizable face in the comedy industry thanks to her decade on Saturday Night Live before leaving in 2022. She showed that not only is she great with improvising, but her comedy acting is top-notch. This led her to book roles in productions like Ghostbusters (2016), Sisters, and the spinoff series The Magic School Bus Rides Again. Kate will be playing a slightly debotched Barbie in the 2023 remake.
It should come as no surprise that McKinnon's start in acting budded from comedy. She took part in various shorts and television shows that allowed her to show off her comedic genius. Her first TV appearance was in 2006 as a cast member on The Big Gay Sketch Show, in which she participated for four years.
