Lovely loser Michael Cera is dressing up for the new “Barbie” movie, where he’ll play a defunct and long-forgotten character in the toy line.
The Brampton, Ontario actor, known for his roles in “Superbad” and “Arrested Development,” has been announced as part of the summer comedy’s expanded cast to play a character simply known as “Allan.”
Based on the popular children’s toy line, “Barbie” stars Margot Robbie as the title character and London, Ontario-born Ryan Gosling as Ken.
“Kim’s Convenience” actor Simu Liu, who grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, plays an alternate version of Ken who clashes with Gosling’s Ken in a new trailer released Tuesday.
While specific details of Cera’s character have not been revealed, a discontinued Barbie character named Allan was introduced in the 1960s.
Redhead Allan, billed as Ken’s “buddy,” wears a beach jacket and swimming trunks. He can also slip into Ken’s clothes.
Ellen was introduced during the expansion of the Barbie line, which included Barbie’s sister Captain and best friend Mickey, who was Ellen’s girlfriend.
The Ellen doll sold for a few years before toymaker Mattel replaced him with a new character named Brad.
Other newly confirmed actors include pop singer Dua Lipa as the mermaid Barbie, Issa Rae as the president and Kate McKinnon as the rock star Barbie.
“Barbie,” directed and co-written by Greta Gerwig, opens July 21.
—David Friend, Canadian Press
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