In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, America Ferrera shared insights into her role in Greta Gerwig’s 2023 blockbuster “Barbie,” crediting the character’s Latina identity for her casting.
Ferrera reflected on the historical challenges faced by actors of diverse backgrounds, noting that she often found herself limited to roles explicitly written as Latina. However, with Gerwig’s vision for “Barbie,” Ferrera was cast as Gloria, a character whose Latina identity played a significant role in her narrative.
The actress emphasized the importance of Gloria being more than just a token representation, praising the film for portraying her as a fully developed character beyond her ethnicity. This marks a positive shift in the industry, challenging the conventional “check the box” casting practices.
In a previous conversation with ComicBook.com, Ferrera expressed delight in playing Gloria, stating that it was a role she would have personally chosen. She hinted at the enjoyment of wearing iconic Barbie outfits in the film, keeping details under wraps.
Regarding the “Barbie” movie itself, the narrative unfolds in Barbie Land, exploring themes of perfection, existential crises, and the world of Ken. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the star-studded cast includes Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, and Issa Rae. The screenplay, penned by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, is based on the iconic Barbie character by Mattel. The film is now available for streaming on Max.
America Ferrera’s portrayal of Gloria in “Barbie” not only highlights the success of the blockbuster but also signals a positive shift in the industry’s approach to diverse casting. As Hollywood continues to evolve, Ferrera’s experience serves as a testament to the importance of authentic representation in storytelling.
