Blockbuster Barbie movie sees Mississauga action star go head-to-head with fellow Canadian heartthrob

You think Mississauga’s Simu Liu had a big-screen fight on his hands in Marvel’s 2021 mega-hit Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?

As the saying goes, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

The 34-year-old Liu, who in a heartbeat was vaulted into Hollywood superstardom with that Marvel movie hit two years ago, will fight, arguably, the on-screen battle of his life to date starting this Friday (July 21) when he goes head-to-head and toe-to-toe with fellow Canadian heartthrob actor Ryan Gosling as the two vie for the affections of the iconic Barbie character.

The much-anticipated Barbie movie hits theatres July 21 and features Liu, Gosling (from London), Ncuti Gatwa and Scott Evans all starring in Ken roles, with Liu and Gosling’s Kens chasing the film’s larger-than-life title character, played by Margot Robbie.

The film follows Robbie’s version of Barbie, one of many in the Barbie multiverse, as she leaves her plastic dream house and heads to our world with Gosling and Liu playing clashing Kens.

Brampton’s Michael Cera shares the screen with both fellow Canadians in the film, and the cast also includes A-listers like Will Farrell and Helen Mirren alongside pop singer Dua Lipa as mermaid Barbie, Issa Rae as president Barbie and Kate McKinnon as rock star Barbie.

The movie made headlines last summer over its hefty $100 million (U.S.) budget, with its decadent set reportedly contributing to a global shortage of pink paint.

the powerhouse talent of margot robbie
the undeniable genius of greta gerwig
the magic of barbie

it is an honour and a privilege to be a part of this brilliant cast. pic.twitter.com/c4KEAucbi2

— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) July 10, 2023

Earlier this month, Liu escaped the bright lights of Hollywood when he returned to Ontario for a quiet, typically Canadian long weekend at the cottage to celebrate Canada Day.

The action movie star spent the Canada Day weekend at a Muskoka cottage enjoying the peace and quiet along with girlfriend Allison Hsu and friends.

Liu is the keeper of a hectic schedule the past couple of years with gigs that include numerous public appearances, celebrity sports events, giving it his best on Celebrity Jeopardy and hosting the Juno Awards, to name a few.

Mississauga’s Simu Liu (left) will square off with London’s Ryan Gosling in the Barbie movie also starring Margot Robbie.

— with files from The Canadian Press and Ryan Rumbolt