Yesterday, Greta Gerwig gave the world a gift: The trailer for the forthcoming “Barbie” movie dropped, and it looks like a campy fun delight.
You simply have to watch it:
But even more excitingly (at least for me, anyway), Greta Gerwig’s gift is extremely kosher for Passover. In addition to the trailer, the full “Barbie” cast was revealed — and folks, we’ve got some Jewish Barbies!!! At least four Jewish actors are featured alongside Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Dua Lipa and more. (This feels extremely appropriate considering Barbie inventor Ruth Handler was Jewish, making the most famous doll ever a de facto member of the tribe.)
So before the “Barbie” movie drops on July 21st, let’s learn more about these fabulous actors. Or, in other words, come on Jewish Barbies, let’s go party!
Kingsley Ben-Adir
British Jewish actor Kingsley Ben-Adir will play a Ken doll in “Barbie.” Born in 1986 in London, Kingsley is of European descent on his father’s side and Trinidadian descent on his mother’s side. You might recognize the 37-year-old performer from his roles as Malcolm X in “One Night in Miami…,” Karim Washington in “The OA,” Barack Obama in “The Comey Rule” and Russell McCormack in “High Fidelity.” In addition to “Barbie,” Kingsley has another movie forthcoming wherein he will play Bob Marley!
Fun fact: his last name means “son of the mighty” in Hebrew. Kingsley adopted the last name alongside his mother and brother after they all converted to Judaism.
Ariana Greenblatt
Ariana Greenblatt is slated to play a human named Sasha in “Barbie.” At just 15 years old, Ariana already has a blossoming career in entertainment. Previously, she’s starred in the Disney Channel show “Stuck in the Middle” and the movies “Avengers: Infinity War” and “65.” Ariana’s Jewish heritage comes from her father’s side, while her mother is Puerto Rican.
Fun fact: On the set of “Avengers: Infinity War,” she and Josh Brolin prank-called Tobey Maguire.
Ana Cruz Kayne
Finally, “Barbie” is bringing us a Jewish Supreme Court Justice that might be about as iconic as RBG! That’s right, Filipina Jewish actress and writer Ana Cruz Kayne will be playing a Barbie Supreme Court Justice. Before “Barbie,” Ana was featured in “Little Women” and will also be starring in the miniseries “Painkiller.”
Fun fact: Ana graduated from Barnard College with a BA in Neuroscience & Italian Literature.
Hari Nef
You know her, you love her: Hari Nef is starring in “Barbie,” because of course she is! (And she’s playing a doctor Barbie? The Jew in me is kvelling.) Born in 1992 in Philadelphia to a Jewish family, Hari is an actor, model, writer and activist who has previously starred in “Transparent,” “And Just Like That…” and “Extrapolations.”
Fun fact: Hari became the first trans model to be signed by IMG Models.
