If you’ve been keeping up with the Barbie news, then you’re probably aware that it’s currently on track to become the biggest film of the year — surpassing the current No. 1 film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Needless to say, it’s a combination of the writing, directing, visuals, acting, and, of course, perfect casting that has made this movie so beloved and an instant classic.
Truly the casting was so perfect…like, I don’t think we can imagine anyone other than Michael Cera playing lonely and forgotten Allan.
But originally, the role of Allan was first offered to Jonathan Groff, who had to turn it down because he was already committed to a role on Doctor Who.
Well recently, GQ published a video of Michael Cera as part of their Iconic Characters YouTube series, where the actor talked about his most iconic roles.
And when it came to talking about Allan in Barbie, Michael revealed that his manager actually thought he wouldn’t want to be in the movie — because it was filming in London for four months — so he told the producers that Michael “probably wouldn’t want to do it.”
Michael then went on to say that his manager “didn’t blow it,” but had said that to the producers because he “managed their expectations” in case he did actually want to turn it down.
Wanting the role, Michael revealed that he actually got Greta Gerwig’s email address from a mutual friend and emailed her to say that he wanted the role.
According to Michael, Greta told him to jump on a Zoom call and the two then talked about the role and that “it just all happened really fast from there.”
I never thought I would say this, but thank god for Zoom technology, because it got Michael cast as Allan!!!
Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/michael-cera-emailed-greta-gerwig-to-get-barbie-role
