Ben Affleck’s Missed Barbie Cameo: The Billion-Dollar What-If
Ben Affleck was set for a cameo in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, but directing Air forced him to pass. Michael Cera shared how he unexpectedly took Affleck’s place, revealing behind-the-scenes details at a cast Q&A.
Ben Affleck has a track record of starring in box office juggernauts, even if not all of them have been critical darlings. His top-grossing films are dominated by his roles in the DC Extended Universe, a franchise that, for many, didn’t quite live up to its potential. Beyond those, his filmography includes several Michael Bay blockbusters, a few forgettable romantic comedies, and the infamous Daredevil. Clearly, Affleck knows how to draw a crowd, no matter the genre.
But the story could have taken a surprising turn. Affleck was originally lined up for a cameo in Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar sensation. He was supposed to appear during the “Beach Fight” sequence, possibly as another version of Ken. However, his commitment to directing Air meant he had to decline the offer, missing out on what could have been his first billion-dollar movie appearance.
Michael Cera Steps In
The revelation came straight from Michael Cera, who plays the lone ‘Allan’ in Barbieland. During a Q&A with the film ’s cast and crew, Cera let slip that Affleck was initially considered for the cameo. After realizing he might have shared too much, he paused and asked,
“Am I allowed to say that?”
Once he got the green light, he continued,
“I think Ben wanted to do it, but he was directing his movie.”
With Affleck out, Cera was called to fill the gap.
“They’re like, ‘Okay, Ben’s out, something has to happen here. So you’re gonna fight them,’”
Cera recalled.
“So I had to jump in with the stunt team. I had just gotten over Covid, and they had me training, and I almost died.”
The role required him to join the action, stepping into a spot that could have belonged to Affleck.
Star-Studded Cameos and What Might Have Been
If Affleck had been able to join the cast, he would have been in good company. John Cena made a brief appearance as the aquatic ‘Kenmaid,’ even though he was advised against it. Rhea Perlman showed up as Ruth Handler, the creator of the Barbie doll. But perhaps the most memorable cameo belonged to Ann Roth, the legendary costume designer and two-time Oscar winner, who shared a touching moment with Margot Robbie’s character at a bus stop.
Meanwhile, Air, the film that kept Affleck from Barbie, became one of 2023’s most acclaimed movies. It found itself competing with Barbie at several major awards shows. Both films were nominated for Best Original Screenplay by the Writers Guild of America, though The Holdovers took home the prize. At the Critics’ Choice Awards, Barbie edged out Air for Best Original Screenplay, and Barbie went on to earn eight Oscar nominations, while Air was left out in the cold.
Affleck’s Near-Miss and Barbie’s Success
Affleck’s absence didn’t slow down Barbie’s runaway success. Would his cameo have changed the film’s dynamic? Maybe. Was he disappointed to miss out on a billion-dollar blockbuster? Almost certainly. But sometimes, timing just isn’t on your side.