We’re nearing the end of 2023, and everyone is still talking about Barbie. Greta Gerwig’s feminist masterpiece dominated the culture this year, thanks to its brilliant writing, hilarious performances, and stunning production and costume design. But more than that, the film struck an emotional chord with women audiences across the globe, who all found something to relate to in Barbie’s struggle to self-actualize.
Barbie featured an all-star cast including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, Michael Cera, and many more familiar faces. But one important role was the film’s narrator, who takes us through the Kubrickian 2001: A Space Odyssey-inspired opening. This omniscient narrator guides us through Barbie’s journey with humor and authority. But who is the actor behind the voice?
Meet Barbie’s Narrator
The film is narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren (The Queen, Prime Suspect). Mirren met Gerwig in 2011’s remake of Arthur, which starred Russell Brand in the titular role. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Mirren said that the two hit it off and that she “was fairly thrilled” when Gerwig asked her to voice the narrator. “I thought it was an incredibly funny, fun thing to be involved in,” said Mirren, adding “We formed a good bond together … She’s an amazing visionary and an extraordinary talent.”
While Mirren doesn’t appear onscreen, she filmed a scene for the movie that ended up on the cutting room floor. In a featurette titled “All-Star Barbie Party” on the Blu-ray, Mirren appears on camera in an interview saying, “Rather like David Attenborough doing a narration on a nature film, I’m the wise and knowledgeable and objective voice telling the story of Barbie.” There was also a scene of Mirren on set, with her back to the camera, flipping the bird.
Additionally, Mirren was supposed to appear in an end credits scene where Midge (Emerald Fennell) gives birth, but the scene was ultimately cut.
(featured image: Warner Bros. Pictures)
