Canadian Actor Michael Cera Commits He Almost Lost Out On ‘Barbie’ Role But His Manager Got His Back

In a captivating twist of fate, Canadian actor Michael Cera, widely known for his endearing performances, almost missed out on a significant role in Greta Gerwig’s satirical comedy ‘Barbie’. Cera’s candid account sheds light on how a managerial decision nearly altered the course of his involvement in the film.

“What?! What do you mean? Call them back!” 

Almost Missing the ‘Barbie’ Bus: The journey to portraying Allan, a peculiar character in the blockbuster ‘Barbie’, took an unforeseen detour for Michael Cera. Recognized for his role as the quirky Allan, the discontinued doll turned fan-favorite, Cera reflects on the unexpected challenges he faced. Notably, the hurdles didn’t stem from auditions or casting woes, but from a decision made on his behalf.

Managerial Intrigue

In a recent video conversation with GQ, Cera unveiled the behind-the-scenes drama that almost led to him missing the opportunity of a lifetime. He recounts how his casting was “very last-minute”, unveiling that it was his manager who initially voiced apprehension. “My manager got a call checking on my availability for it,” Cera recollects, adding that his manager presumed he wouldn’t be interested due to the film’s London shoot. Cera’s reaction to the news was an incredulous, “What?! What do you mean? Call them back!”

An Assertive Turnaround

Facing this unexpected twist, Cera took the reins of his own destiny. He promptly connected with Greta Gerwig via email, showcasing his enthusiasm for the role. This bold move paved the way for a decisive conversation, resulting in his inclusion. The actor highlights the swiftness of this turnaround, marking a definitive moment in his ‘Barbie’ journey.

Allan: A Quirky Persona with a Touch of Reality

Cera’s portrayal of Allan, a character with a unique brand of quirkiness, resonates with audiences. He describes Allan as a “sad figure” with no defined place in the world, endowing the character with depth and relatability. Intriguingly, Allan is based on a real doll that enjoyed a brief production run, originating in 1964 as Ken’s sidekick before fading into obscurity due to limited sales.

The roller coaster narrative of Michael Cera’s journey to embodying Allan in ‘Barbie’ unveils the significance of agency and determination in the realm of showbiz. Cera’s candid account underscores the pivotal role his manager inadvertently played and how, through assertiveness, he secured a role that has further cemented his standing in the industry. The saga of almost losing out on ‘Barbie’ serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment world and the power of seizing opportunities.

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