Simu Liu Joins Cast For 'Barbie' Live Action Alongside Margot Robbie

The rumors of a "Barbie" live-action film are true. The popular fashion doll has been a significant part of many girls' childhoods since its launch in 1959. While several cartoons were made with the diva as the main character, there aren't any live actions. However, that might soon change.

Warner Bros is reportedly spearheading the production of a live-action "Barbie" movie. The project will have Oscar-nominated talents like Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach in its writing team, so it's fair to say the plot will have some twists compared to the original toy story. Margot Robbie was announced as part of the cast, as well as Ryan Gosling.

A new addition to the cast is Simu Liu. The Marvel superhero actor was recently contracted for an undisclosed role in the live-action. Liu became famous after his role as Shang Chi in the Marvel movie "Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." While it's certain he'll return to the MCU, the actor isn't wasting any time signing on for new projects.

The new "Barbie" live-action movie will have two famous writers penning down its scenes. Gerwig and Baumbach will reportedly be behind the scriptwriting, with Gerwig set as the director. As proven by their previous works, the result will certainly be awe-inspiring.

Gerwig is an Oscar-nominated director known for her work on movies like "Ladybird" (2017) and "Little Women" (2019). The two movies are her only directional ventures and were both nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award in their respective years.

Baumbach, on the other hand, is no spring chicken. The American filmmaker wrote and directed popular movies like "The Squid and The Whale" and "Marriage Story." Both titles also received Oscar nominations. With the presence of these two talents, it's safe to say the new "Barbie" movie won't be your run-of-the-mill toy tie-in movie.

Along with stars like Robbie, Gosling, and America Ferrera, Liu will be part of the Warner Bros "Barbie" movie. Robbie will reportedly play the lead character, Barbie. The actress will also produce the project through her LuckyChap banner along with Tom Ackerley. Robbie Brenner and David Heynan are also part of the producers.

Liu is primarily known for his role as the Marvel superhero Shang Chi in "Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." The movie was released last year and grossed over $432 million at the global box office. It bagged the title of one of the highest-grossing movies of the pandemic.

He was also in a Canadian sitcom titled "Kim's Convenience." The actor played Jung Kim and gained a sizable following due to his performance. Liu will reportedly be in several new titles soon like "One True Loves" and "Arthur the King."

The idea of making a live-action Barbie movie didn't just spring up. Production was on as far back as 1986, with Cannon Films in the lead. Later on, Amy Schumer was contracted to play the fashion doll. The plot of the movie would have a twist where the doll, famous for her "perfect" looks, would be sent to the real world and appear as a normal woman.

Anne Hathaway ended up taking the role but later dropped out of the movie. Finally, in early 2019, Robbie was announced as the Barbie character, and Gosling was announced as her boyfriend, Ken. Liu and Ferrera were included in the cast, albeit for an undisclosed role.

Like most major film projects these days, not much is known about the plot of the 'Barbie' live-action movie. However, with talents like Gerwig and Baumbach working on the script, there'll definitely be some twists to it.

The movie plot will possibly involve several positive heartfelt messages, in addition to weaving a different take on the lead character. Fans of the fashion doll might not get their typical toy story.

An obvious part of the movie's agenda is bringing together an iron-clad cast with famous actors like Robbie, Gosling, Liu, and Ferrera. The film's casting is yet to be concluded, so it's safe to say some more recognizable names could be revealed. The movie's release date is slated for early 2023.