From a martial arts master and a superhero, Simu Liu is about to transform into a doll and enter a fantastic plastic life.
The Shang-Chi star has been eyed to join the cast of Warner Brothers’ upcoming live-action film Barbie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Liu is in talks to play an undisclosed role in the film.
If everything goes according to plan, Liu will be starring alongside A-list stars Margot Robbie, who will portray the titular character, and Ryan Gosling, who will play Barbie’s beau Ken. Joining the star-studded ensemble is Ugly Betty’s actor America Ferrera.
Liu became a household name following his stint as Shang-Chi in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He has also been part of the Canadian television sitcom called Kim’s Convenience. Liu is also set to star in the upcoming romantic film One True Loves, starring Phillipa Soo and Luke Bracey, and in Arthur the King with Mark Wahlberg.
The film’s plot and other details remain a mystery, but Barbie will follow the script written by Little Women and Lady Bird’s director Greta Gerwig and her long-time partner Noah Baumbach, who is known for directing the critically acclaimed Marriage Story. Gerwig will also serve as Barbie’s director.
Aside from playing the lead role, Robbie will also produce the film through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, alongside Josey McNamara and Tom Ackerley. Mattel Films’ executive producer Robbie Brenner and Paddington’s David Heyman are also producing Barbie, while Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz will executive produce the film.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Kreiz shared that the live-action film Barbie will begin production in March, the same month in which the doll will mark its 63rd anniversary. The production will take place in the United Kingdom, and the film is also expected to release sometime in 2023.
The live-action adaptation of Barbie has been in the works at Sony since 2014, and before Robbie landed the lead role, Trainwreck’s Amy Schumer and Princess Diaries’ Anne Hathaway were first considered to play Barbie.
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