Greta Gerwig Reveals Why Timothee Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan Cameos Were Cut from Barbie

Greta Gerwig recently revealed that Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet, two actors she had previously worked with on her films Lady Bird and Little Women, were originally intended to have special cameo appearances in the upcoming Barbie movie. However, due to various circumstances, their cameos couldn’t materialize. The Barbie movie revolves around the characters of Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, and Ken, played by Ryan Gosling. The story follows their journey of self-discovery as they are expelled from Barbieland, a utopian world, due to not conforming to the perfect doll image. Forced to confront the real world, Barbie and Ken embark on an adventure that allows them to find their true selves.

In an interview with Variety, Gerwig revealed that Ronan had commitments as a producer during the filming period. Despite being proud of Ronan’s accomplishments, Gerwig couldn’t help but express her disappointment at not having her involved in the project. Their absence left her feeling like she was missing something essential, almost like doing a project without her own children. She said:

“It was always going to have to be like a sort of smaller thing because she was actually producing at the time, which I am so proud of her for. And of course, it’s brilliant. But it was going to be a specialty cameo. I was also going to do a specialty cameo with Timmy. Both of them couldn’t do it and I was so annoyed. But I love them so much. But it felt like doing something without my children. I mean, I’m not their mom, but I sort of feel like their mom.”

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Early Reviews Shower Barbie with Praise Ahead of Its Theatrical Debut

Despite facing a ban in Vietnam, Barbie is set to make a noteworthy impact at the box office during its opening weekend. Early reactions have been positive, particularly praising Greta Gerwig’s innovative vision for the beloved doll’s on-screen portrayal. The film’s premise, combined with its star-studded cast and witty script, have further contributed to the buzz surrounding its release. Industry experts are projecting a domestic gross of $70-80 million, surpassing the expected earnings of major summer blockbusters like The Flash. This projection suggests that regardless of the controversy surrounding the film, there is widespread anticipation and a strong interest in seeing Barbie come to life on the silver screen.

As Barbie vies for success, it faces competition from Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, a film centered around the profound topic of the atomic bomb. While Barbie‘s vibrant and imaginative world attracts one set of moviegoers, Oppenheimer offers a contrasting experience. Nolan’s thought-provoking tale is expected to earn approximately $40 million during the same opening weekend, attracting a different audience seeking a more somber and realistic storyline.

Joining Robbie and Gosling are familiar faces like Emma Mackey, known for her roles in Sex Education and Death on the Nile, and America Ferrera, recognized for her work in Superstore and Ugly Betty. Additionally, the film features Kate McKinnon, Ariana Greenblatt, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Michael Cera, Rhea Perlman, Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Connor Swindells, Ritu Arya, Jamie Demetriou, Marisa Abela, and Will Ferrell. Barbie is set to hit the theaters on July 21.