In an unexpected turn of events, Sylvester Stallone almost landed a role in the 2023 hit movie, Barbie. The film, inspired by the timeless Mattel dolls, took Barbie on a transformative journey from her beloved pink Barbie World into the real world. This shift in scenery provided Barbie and Ken with a fresh perspective on their lives, particularly in relation to the concept of patriarchy.
Barbie proved to be a massive hit, resonating with audiences in a way that no other movie of last year could. It soared to become the highest grossing film of the year, raking in over $1.44 billion at the box office during its theatrical run. With such unprecedented success, it's no wonder that the movie boasted an all-star cast.
As it turns out, Sylvester Stallone was approached to appear in Barbie, a surprising choice considering his reputation for starring in action-packed films like Rocky and Rambo. Although he was unable to join the project due to his commitment to another film, his influence on Barbie was still significant.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Stallone shared his experience, revealing that the director had offered him a role in Barbie. Unfortunately, his involvement fell through due to a scheduling conflict. Despite not being physically present in the movie, elements of Stallone's image were incorporated into Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken.
Ken's character undergoes a transformation when he ventures into the real world and encounters the concept of patriarchy. This newfound knowledge prompts him to bring this awareness back to Barbie Land. As a way of paying homage to Stallone's iconic rugged and masculine roles of the '80s and '90s, Gosling's Ken exudes a sense of swagger and dons an outfit reminiscent of Stallone's style.
It's intriguing to think about what Stallone's role in Barbie could have entailed. While we can only imagine the possibilities, it's evident that he was enthusiastic about the opportunity and would likely seize it if he had another chance. Who knows, perhaps in the future, Greta Gerwig, the film's director, may decide to revisit Barbie's world, giving Stallone the opportunity to finally join the cast.
Currently, Barbie is available on various video-on-demand services, though a streaming date has yet to be announced. If you're curious to learn more about Stallone's near involvement in the movie, you can check out his interview on The Tonight Show below.
In the end, Barbie became more than just a film about a beloved doll. It became a cultural phenomenon, breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. And even though Stallone didn't make it into the final cut, his impact on Barbie remains, connecting the worlds of rugged masculinity and the fashion-forward Ken.
