Embracing body positivity, Issa Rae, the talented actress from “Insecure,” took on the role of President Barbie in the much-anticipated movie “Barbie.” In an interview with Glamour, Rae candidly shared her initial doubts about fitting into the traditional Barbie image.
Having enjoyed some indulgence after the completion of her previous projects, she wasn’t sure if she was “Barbie-shape ready.” However, she soon discovered that director Greta Gerwig’s Barbie world celebrated all body types, easing her insecurities.
“Barbie” brings the iconic doll line from Mattel to life, with Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. The movie takes the beloved toys from Barbie Land into the real world. Issa Rae concerns about the other Barbies were put to rest when she witnessed the movie’s diverse and inclusive casting.
Gerwig prioritized representation, ensuring that Barbie Land reflected the beauty of all body types, abilities, ages, and genders.
In Barbie Land, every character is portrayed as a perfect Barbie, representing the diverse tapestry of the real world. Issa Rae found this inclusivity to be beautiful and touching. While some might wonder where they fit in, the movie’s efforts to embrace everyone’s uniqueness and identity are evident.
The star-studded cast includes Nicola Coughlan, Ritu Arya, Sharon Rooney, Hari Nef, Kate McKinnon, Dua Lipa, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Ncuti Gatwa. Liu, known for his role in Marvel, also praised the film’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. He emphasized that the movie’s message was clear – anyone, regardless of appearance, can embody the essence of Barbie or Ken.
Greta Gerwig’s conscious approach to casting ensured that individuals of various shapes, sizes, and abilities were part of the movie’s empowering dance scene. This demonstrated that one does not need to fit into the stereotypical Barbie mold to exude Barbie’s spirit.
As “Barbie” hits theaters, audiences will witness a celebration of diversity and inclusivity on screen, with a cast that genuinely embraces and celebrates each other’s differences. The film’s powerful message and representation serve as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for all.