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Last Updated: April 11, 2025, 15:50 IST
Matt Bomer Declines Role in ‘Barbie’ to Focus on ‘Maestro’
Ryan Gosling ultimately took on the role of Ken in the ‘Barbie’ film directed by Greta Gerwig. (Photo: Bang Showbiz)
Actor Matt Bomer expressed satisfaction with his decision to decline a part in the upcoming ‘Barbie’ movie, as it allowed him to dedicate his full attention to ‘Maestro’. At 47, Bomer had been considered for the pivotal role of Ken, but opted out, a choice he now cherishes since it enabled him to delve deeply into his role within Bradley Cooper’s biopic on Leonard Bernstein, ‘Maestro’.
In an interview with Business Insider, Bomer reflected, “Even though my part in ‘Maestro’ was smaller, Bradley was incredibly collaborative from the start. The experience was so immersive that had I rushed back and forth from London for ‘Barbie’, I don’t think I would have absorbed the same depth in ‘Maestro’.”
Bomer also shared that portraying David Oppenheim in ‘Maestro’ significantly transformed his approach to acting. He noted, “This experience is likely to influence my work for the remainder of my career. It was a unique way of working that I’m grateful for. I doubt I would have experienced it to the same degree had I been juggling both films.”
Previously, Bomer discussed his audition for ‘Barbie’ in an interview with Vanity Fair, explaining that he took a creative approach: “I recorded my lines separately, experimenting with different portrayals of Ken for each audition. I used a recorder to capture the other characters’ dialogues, allowing myself the space to respond authentically.”
In the completed film, Ryan Gosling, aged 43, stepped into the role of Ken while Margot Robbie, at 33, played Barbie. Additionally, numerous other actors portrayed variations of Ken, including Simu Liu, Tom Stourton, John Cena, and Ncuti Gatwa. Luke Macfarlane, also 43, revealed his prior considerations for the Ken role, but commitments to his current series ‘Platonic’ ultimately prevented his participation.
Regarding his situation, Macfarlane said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, “Unfortunately, the scheduling didn’t align. I don’t want to sound presumptuous; the role was small, but being part of such a significant project would have been an exciting opportunity.”
Additionally, Amy Schumer, aged 42, and Anne Hathaway, 41, were once in negotiations with Sony and Mattel for an earlier concept of the ‘Barbie’ film, which featured a different storyline.
Schumer openly expressed her disappointment when she had to withdraw from the project despite facing online criticism regarding her casting, a situation she managed with her characteristic humor.
In her statement, she remarked, “Regrettably, I cannot commit to ‘Barbie’ due to scheduling conflicts. This film has immense potential; Sony and Mattel have been wonderful collaborators. I’m disappointed but look forward to its release.”
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