In a surprising twist, Sylvester Stallone revealed in a recent interview that he was almost cast as Ken in the popular Barbie movie. Many fans of the iconic doll were intrigued by the idea of Stallone taking on this unexpected role, but unfortunately, scheduling conflicts prevented the action star from joining the cast.
Inspired by the beloved Mattel dolls, the Barbie movie features a star-studded ensemble including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, and Will Ferrell, among others. Robbie portrays Barbie, a character who begins to question her role in the world, while Gosling's Ken discovers the patriarchy and embarks on a mission to bring about change in the imaginary world of Barbieland.
The film proved to be a box office sensation, raking in an impressive $1.44 billion during its theatrical run. While Stallone wasn't able to grace the screen as Ken, he expressed his satisfaction at having influenced the visual direction of the film. The director took inspiration from Stallone's style, incorporating it into Gosling's portrayal of Ken. In fact, Ken even appeared in a distinctive fur coat reminiscent of Stallone's iconic on-screen characters.
Although Stallone couldn't physically appear in the movie, his impact is undeniable. His cinematic presence as characters like Rambo and Rocky in the '80s and '90s made a lasting impression on popular culture. Stallone, along with his contemporaries like Arnold Schwarzenegger, became the definitive symbols of masculinity during that era. It's no wonder that director Greta Gerwig and actor Ryan Gosling, both of whom grew up during the height of Stallone's career, drew inspiration from his portrayal of masculinity when shaping Ken's character in the Barbie movie.
Ken's discovery of the patriarchy and subsequent struggle with his own masculinity reflects the influence of Stallone's previous roles. While embodying stereotypically masculine traits, Ken unintentionally looks down upon Barbie and her friends, causing tension and conflict. These masculine traits, rooted in Stallone's on-screen personas, provide depth and complexity to Ken's character in the film.
The Barbie movie, now available for streaming on Max, offers a fresh perspective on the iconic doll and her world. Despite Sylvester Stallone not being able to join the cast, his impact on the visual direction and the development of Ken's character is evident. The movie is a testament to the enduring influence of Stallone's legacy as an action star and symbol of masculinity.
Although we'll never see Stallone donning Ken's plastic molded shoes, he leaves an indelible mark on the Barbie movie. His almost-casting serves as a reminder of the intricate web of influences that shape the world of entertainment. Stallone's style, persona, and cinematic presence continue to resonate with audiences, even in unexpected and surprising ways.
