The Ultimate Guide to All the Enchanting Characters in the ‘Barbie’ Movie

Margot Robbie, the lead actress in the upcoming Barbie movie, had doubts about the project's future. She admitted that she was fearful that the answer would be a rejection. Taking on this endeavor seemed daunting, and many people questioned her decision when her production company, LuckyChap, approached Mattel about the film.

Robbie acknowledged that there was no specific idea in mind initially. She recognized the importance of honoring the brand's 60-year legacy, but also acknowledged the existence of a significant number of people who not only dislike Barbie but actively despise and have genuine concerns about the doll. It was crucial to find a way to address this perspective.

Although Robbie stars in the comedy alongside renowned actors such as Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Dua Lipa, Kate McKinnon, America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Simu Liu, and others, she didn't even consider playing Barbie until years into the movie's development. Eventually, the concept came together when LuckyChap received approval, and Robbie was successful in persuading both Greta Gerwig to direct the film and write the screenplay.

"It had an electrifying quality to it that seemed quite promising," Gerwig shared with Vogue in May 2023. She expressed that she would only accept the project if she could co-write it with her partner, Noah Baumbach. "I was the one who suggested that Noah and I take on this endeavor."

Baumbach further explained, "There was a sense of wide-open possibilities, a blank canvas where we could continue to construct." He likened the writing process to playing with dolls, with the added twist that the characters themselves were dolls.

Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of every Barbie and Ken from Barbie Land: 

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Diplomats, Lawyers and Mermaids: Breaking Down Every Barbie and Ken From the ‘Barbie’ Movie

The Barbie movie is nearing its release, but the lead actress Margot Robbie had doubts about its realization. "I was really afraid that the answer would be 'no'. Taking on this project was quite terrifying at the time. People were questioning, 'You're going to do what?'" Robbie shared with Vogue in May 2023, referring to her production company, LuckyChap, reaching out to Mattel about the film.

Robbie acknowledged that there was no specific idea in mind initially. She expressed the need to respect the brand's 60-year legacy, but also recognize the existence of people who not only lack interest in Barbie but actively despise and have legitimate concerns about the character. Robbie believed it was crucial to address this issue. She accepted the role in the comedy movie, which features an ensemble cast including Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Dua Lipa, Kate McKinnon, America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Simu Liu, and more. However, she admitted that she didn't consider playing Barbie until years later during the development of the film. Finally, the concept took shape when LuckyChap received approval and Robbie convinced Greta Gerwig to direct the movie and write the script.

Gerwig expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that it felt exciting and full of potential. She insisted on collaborating with her partner, Noah Baumbach, to write the content. Baumbach added that they had the creative freedom to continuously develop the project, likening the process to playing with dolls, particularly given the unique nature of the characters involved.

Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of every Barbie and Ken from Barbie Land: 

Credit: Warner Bros.

Margot Robbie is 'Everything Barbie'

Robbie plays the titular doll who embodies everything that Barbie is. After questioning life beyond Barbie Land, she heads to the real world to explore. 

Credit: Warner Bros.

Issa Rae Is 'President Barbie'

Rae’s Barbie was elected president of Barbie Land. More like a queen to Us. 

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Nichola Coughlan Is ‘Diplomat Barbie’

With a warm smile and a seemingly deep appreciation for chiffon, Coughlan’s Barbie is the diplomat of the group.  

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Ritu Arya Is 'Journalist Barbie'

A Barbie after our own heart, Arya is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

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Sharon Rooney Is ‘Lawyer Barbie’

Making sure every other Barbie has proper representation, Rooney is lawyer Barbie. 

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Hari Nef Is 'Doctor Barbie'

Nef’s Barbie is the resident physician in Barbie Land — and even helps heal Ken from an injury. 

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Kate McKinnon Is 'Gymnast Barbie'

Everyone had a version of McKinnon’s Barbie growing up: chopped hair, drawn-on face and legs always in the splits. 

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Emma Mackey Is 'Physicist Barbie'

Mackey’s Barbie may be the smartest of all — she’s a scientist!

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Dua Lipa Is 'Mermaid Barbie'

This Barbie rocks blue hair and lives in the ocean with Merman Ken, played by John Cena. 

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Anna Cruz Kayne Is ‘Supreme Court Justice’ Barbie’

Working in the same field as Rae’s character, Kayne’s Barbie is a Supreme Court Justice. 

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Alexandra Shipp Is 'Author Barbie'

Shipp is the celebrated writer of Barbie Land. 

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Ryan Gosling Is Just Ken

Gosling’s Ken, with his impressive biceps, sculpted six-pack, and enviable tan, is a formidable force. He is deeply smitten with Everything Barbie and eagerly embarks on real-world escapades, equipped with his trusty roller blades.

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Kingsley Ben-Adir Is Also Ken

Ben-Adir is just another Ken in Barbie Land. 

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Ncuti Gatwa Is Another Ken

The British actor looks like an American cowboy, but he’s just Ken. 

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Simu Liu Is a Rival Ken

Liu is not just any other Ken — he’s Gosling’s Barbie Land rival Ken.

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Scott Evans Is Ken, Again

Kens may be clueless, but at least they’re having a great time.