While audiences around the world are gearing up for Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, one actor is more than a little annoyed he didn’t make it into the film.
Per Entertainment Weekly, Tom Felton, largely known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, jokingly compared his character in the fantasy films to Ryan Gosling’s Ken. The pair’s similarities, accentuated by their shock of blonde hair, prompted Felton to write, “Kind of pissed I never got a callback #sLYTHERKeN.” At the time of writing, it’s currently unknown whether the actor actually auditioned for the part but many have taken his post as a joke, poking fun at both himself and Barbie.
Gerwig, who directed and wrote the highly-anticipated film, previously described what the creative team was looking for when the cast Ken. Gosling ultimately landed the part but plenty of other actors influenced the decision to cast him, including Marlon Brando, Gene Wilder, John Barrymore and John Travolta. “From the moment that Margot came to me and I knew we were making this for Margot, I equally knew we were making this for Ryan,” Gerwig said. “And I did not know Ryan at all. I’d never met him. I just was sure, and as soon as I thought of it, it made me so happy. Who else could do this?”
Gosling Loves Ken
For his part, Gosling has expressed nothing but excitement about his role as Ken but not everyone in his personal circle thought his casting made sense. The actor’s daughters were initially confused that he would play Barbie’s love interest and partner in crime. “They were confused. Why Ken? They don’t even call him Ken,” said Gosling, referring to how his children play with their own selection of dolls. “One of them is named Darrell. And Darrell works at a grocery store. One of the Barbies’ names is Gym Class. And Gym Class met Darrell at the grocery store, but Gym Class, she’s focusing on herself right now.”
Barbie has already proved to be a smash hit for Gerwig as the reviews have labeled the film a must-watch. The movie debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 93% as critics describe it as “bright, bubbly, effervescent, hilarious” with some even claiming it to be “the funniest movies in years — and one of the most emotional, touching and meaningful.”
Barbie hits theaters on July 21.
Source: Entertainment Weekly