"Barbie" takes the iconic doll of our childhood, and thrusts her into a story of existential angst, personal growth, and finding her way in the real world – all with a healthy dose of glitter, musical numbers, and rollerblading! Written and Directed by Academy Award Nominee Greta Gerwig ("Lady Bird" and "Little Women"), the film isn't just a bit of fun too, but is expected to be as much of a critical darling as it is a crowd-pleaser. It's a huge production, with no expense spared: the film even caused an international shortage of pink paint, according to Architectural Digest.
Given that it's one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023, its large scale means that it also boasts a cast of megastars, led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling at the helm. The film's cast is essentially a toy aisle full of Barbies and Kens, played by beloved actors from both sides of the pond (as well as a few Australians, too). Even though Barbie exists as the epitome of the modern American woman, there have been many British dolls over the years as well. The film's production was predonimantly filmed in the Warner Bros. studios in Hertfordshire, so it makes sense that "Barbie" actually has a heavily British cast. Ranging from national treasures such as Dame Helen Mirren, to British comedy stars like Jamie Demetriou, to pop sensation Dua Lipa, it's safe to say that us Brits have certainly made our presence known in this upcoming summer hit.
With a host of British and Irish Barbies, a bunch of British men with Ken-ergy, and a few other characters in the film played by people from this side of the pond, it's likely you've seen this homegrown talent elsewhere before they got a "Barbie" makeover. Keep reading to see who to look out for in Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" and where you might recognise them from.
Dua Lipa in "Barbie"
With her awards over the years including six Brit awards and three Grammys, it's safe to say that the singer is a household name. Her hits include "One Kiss", "New Rules", and "Levitating". She also features on the soundtrack for "Barbie", with her song "Dance The Night" out now, which also features in the film's trailer.
"Barbie" marks her first venture into film, though she will also star in the upcoming spy thriller "Argylle" alongside Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, and more.
Emma Mackey in "Barbie"
Her character in "Barbie" has been described as a physicist Barbie with a Nobel Prize. Given that she has often been likened to Margot Robbie, it'll be interesting to see the pair on screen together.
Sharon Rooney in "Barbie"
Rooney has appeared in a number of other television series including "Sherlock", "Two Doors Down", and "Brief Encounters". On the big screen she had a starring role in Disney's live-action remake of "Dumbo" in which she played the circus performer, Miss Atlantis. She also starred alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy in "The Electrical Life of Louis Wain."
Her Barbie is a lawyer who wears a lilac suit and has an iconic high pony.
Ritu Arya in "Barbie"
Arya got her start in British soap opera "Doctors", playing Dr Megan Sharma. She went on to play a number of roles in shows including "Sherlock", "Humans", "Doctor Who", and "Feel Good". However, she was boosted to international acclaim after her breakout role as Lila on the Netflix superhero show, "The Umbrella Academy". This recognition led to her also being cast in the action film "Red Notice" alongside the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot.
As well as being an actor, and one who does a lot of her own stunts, Arya is also a musician, having been a drummer in the band KIN for a number of years.
Ncuti Gatwa in "Barbie"
In 2022, it was announced that Gatwa would be taking on one of the most iconic British television roles, stepping in to play the next iteration of The Doctor on "Doctor Who". Gatwa, the 15th actor to play the character, will be introduced as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations for the show later this year.
In "Barbie", Gatwa plays another Ken, and this character poster shows him wielding a guitar and donning a cowboy hat, suggesting that he is a Ken from a cowboy set.
Kingsley Ben-Adir in "Barbie"
He currently features in the Disney+ Marvel series "Secret Invasion", starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Emilia Clarke, and Olivia Colman. He has also been cast in an upcoming film as Bob Marley.
In "Barbie", he plays one of the many Kens, and can be seen in the trailer ready for battle alongside Ryan Gosling and Ncuti Gatwa.
Emerald Fennell in "Barbie"
Fennell is no stranger to controversy, having played Camilla, the Queen Consort, in seasons three and four of "The Crown". Prior to that, her biggest television role was on "Call the Midwife", starring as Nurse Patsy Mount.
However, she is also known for having written and directed the film "Promising Young Woman", starring Carey Mulligan, about a woman who exacts revenge on sexual predators. The film won her an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. She also served as a writer on "Killing Eve".
Jamie Demetriou in "Barbie"
He is no stranger to film either, having starred in "Paddington 2", "Horrible Histories: The Movie", and "Cruella", among a number of other titles.
In the "Barbie" universe, he doesn't quite have Ken-ergy, and will instead be playing one of the Mattel employees that Barbie encounters in the real world. As his character poster sums up: "he's a suit".
Connor Swindells in "Barbie"
Currently, Swindells stars in the BBC War drama, "SAS: Rogue Heroes", as the lead character David Stirling.
His film credits include "The Vanishing", and "Emma" alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Mia Goth. He'll be playing another human character in "Barbie", presumably another employee at Mattel. The trailer implies that he might be an assistant to Will Ferrell's executive character.
Helen Mirren in "Barbie"
With a career that spans over half a century, Mirren is one of the most recognised actors in the world, needing only a Grammy to complete the coveted EGOT awards combination (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). She is famous for her work in a number of Shakespeare plays, both on the stage and the screen. She has also starred in a number of iconic films such as "The Queen", "Gosford Park", and "Calendar Girls".
While some may deem her too serious for a film like "Barbie", Mirren has demonstrated her more playful side over the years by starring in recent films such as "Fast X", and "Shazam: Fury of the Gods". She also lent her voice to another camp classic, "Glee", on which she featured as the voiceover of Becky Jackson's (Lauren Potter) thoughts.
Nicola Coughlan in "Barbie"
The Irish actress has blossomed over the first two seasons of the Netflix, and with the stunning character stills revealed from season three, Penelope is about to show the Ton exactly who she is. With the upcoming season focussing on the relationship between Penelope and Colin (Luke Newton), Coughlan is set to be more prominent than she has previously been on the show.
"Barbie" allows the actor to go back to her comedic roots, playing a diplomat Barbie with bright red hair, and kitted out in sparkly pink.