Why did Dan Levy say no to the role of one of the Kens in ‘Barbie?’

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In the year 2024, while misogynistic humor persists, there’s a notable shift in societal attitudes toward such tasteless jokes. The recent controversies surrounding Barbie, Jo Koy, and the Golden Globes have brought this issue to the forefront, with many individuals no longer hesitating to express their disdain for such humor. Jo Koy’s apology, though somewhat insincere, is just one example of individuals facing backlash for perpetuating offensive stereotypes.

Interestingly, Dan Levy, the beloved star of “Schitt’s Creek,” finds himself in a similar predicament regarding the blockbuster film “Barbie.” Rumors circulated last year suggesting that Levy was among the actors considered for a role in the film alongside Ryan Gosling’s “Beach Ken.” However, the final cast list included names like Ncuti Gatwa, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Scott Edans, and John Cena. Despite the initial buzz surrounding “Barbie” and its anticipated success, Levy recently revealed that he was offered a role in the film but ultimately turned it down—a decision he now deeply regrets.

During a recent appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and in an interview with USA Today, Levy expressed remorse over his decision, admitting that the role offered to him was for the character Allan. He explained that scheduling conflicts prevented him from accepting the role, as he was already committed to other projects at the time. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Levy acknowledged the immense success of “Barbie” and the impact it has had on global audiences, describing his decision to decline the role as a tough pill to swallow.

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Despite his disappointment, Levy is currently focused on promoting his directorial debut, “Good Grief,” which he wrote, directed, and stars in. The film follows the story of Marc, a man deeply in love with his husband Oliver, whose tragic death forces Marc to navigate the complexities of grief and acceptance. As Marc grapples with his loss and uncovers surprising revelations about Oliver’s life, he must confront his own feelings of love, betrayal, and longing.

While Levy may have missed out on the opportunity to be a part of “Barbie,” his directorial venture offers audiences a poignant and emotionally resonant story that showcases his talents as both a performer and filmmaker. “Good Grief” promises to be a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the transformative power of acceptance, cementing Levy’s place as a versatile and accomplished artist in the entertainment industry.