Skip Nav

British Barbies and Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie Movie

Here's Where You've Seen the British Barbies (and Kens) in Greta Gerwig's Film Before

British Barbies and Kens in Greta Gerwig's Barbie Movie
Image Source: Warner Bros.

If you haven't already noticed, (although how could you not?!), the "Barbie" movie is one of the most hotly anticipated films of the summer. Buzz has been building ahead of its 21 July release, meaning it's almost time to bust out your best Barbiecore looks, blast that classic Aqua song, and head to the cinema.

"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.

Latest Entertainment