After starring as the new fan-favorite superhero Shang-Chi in Marvel Studios’Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,rising star Simu Liu will continue his success in Hollywood by joining big names like Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie in Warner Bros.' upcoming live-actionBarbiefilm.
At first glance, a Barbie adaptation may not be associated with something complex and weighty. However, witha script from Greta Gerwigand her partner Noah Baumbach, both of who are coming off of Academy Award-winning or nominated films such asLady Bird,theLittle Womenremake, and the critically acclaimedMarriage Story,as well Gerwig helming theBarbieproject herself, the upcomingWarner Bros.film is shaping up to be a big awards season contender.
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The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Liu is in negotiations to joinBarbieshortly after America Ferrera joined film, as the upcoming project appears to have one star-studded ensemble. After Robbie was confirmed to star in the film,Gosling then joined theBarbiecastthis past October after initially passing on the opportunity to play Ken. But with the studio determined to have him on board since he was their only choice, Gosling was able to find an opening in his schedule that allowed him to sign on as pre-production for the film dragged on.
With Liu set to work under the direction of Gerwig, he will most likely be playing a role that is challenging yet three-dimensional, as Gerwig’s filmography proves she has a knack for writing compelling characters while equally telling a resonating story. And if his energetic performance inShang-Chiwas any indication, Liu could potentially deliver one of his best performances to date. But until more details surface online in the coming months, fans will just have to catch up on some of Liu’s previous work.
Other than his big Marvel role, Liu has also received acclaim for his work on series likeKim’s Convenienceand inBlood and Water. While there’s no telling whenhe will reprise his role as Shang-Chi, aside from theBarbiefilm, Liu already has a couple of features lined up: the upcoming adventure filmArthur the King, which will see Liu team up with Mark Wahlberg, and the romance filmOne True Love.
Barbie’s plot details remain unknown, but reports indicate the film is now expected to begin its London shoot sometime in 2022. Other than Warner Bros.' attachment, Robbie will also serve as a producer for the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment production company with co-founder and husband Tom Ackerley. The production company was behind films such asI, Tonya,Birds of Prey, andPromising Young Woman. Fans can expect there to be many more big names joining Liu and the rest of the cast announced in the coming months.
Barbieis currently in pre-production.
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