Ken Barbie film
Warner Bros.

THE #BARBENHEIMER phenomenon is real folks, and its trail of hype, chatter and cultural significance continues as both films, Barbie and Oppenheimer — two of the most anticipated film releases we’ve seen in years — veer towards record-breaking ticket sales in just its first week of opening (with no signs of slowing down).

To date, we’ve been treated to insightful interviews of Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan enlightening viewers of the IMAX experience, we’ve learned how Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu got their bodies Ken-ready, and now, Cillian Murphy, Dr. J Robert Oppenheimer himself, has just revealed he would gladly play Ken should there be a Barbie sequel.

*cue your mind’s inner explosion/s.

In a recent interview with Argentinian news outlet Cinéfilos (that has since gone viral), when asked whether he would consider playing the role of Ken in a Barbie sequel, Murphy was quick to get out his answer to the impromptu question.

“Would I play a Ken in Barbie 2,” laughed Murphy. “Sure. Ya, let’s read the script. Let’s have a conversation.”

Murphy went on to say that he “can’t wait” to see Barbie and that its release is “great for cinema”.

“We got all these great movies happening this summer.”

Funnily enough, Murphy isn’t the only Oppenheimer cast member to consider playing a Ken and/or Barbie. When pressed on the subject of a Barbie inclusion during a recent press interview for the film, stars Emily Blunt and Matt Damon unanimously agreed that they would love to star in a Barbie sequel themselves.

“I’d do anything with Greta Gerwig,” Damon said. “She’s a great director and I wish her well and her movie well.”

“Do you think you could out-Ken Ryan Gosling?” Blunt asked Damon.

“I don’t know if anyone is out-Ken-ing that guy. I don’t have enough Kennergy.”

While we love to see these two iconic films coexist in their own singular universe — who wouldn’t stan a Cillian Ken? — as it stands, Barbie director Greta Gerwig has no plans for a sequel right now. Telling Entertainment Tonight earlier this month, Gerwig said she’s just “focused on getting this one out” before seeing what could happen next.

Fair enough, but we certainly think Murphy’s Peaky Blinders baker boy hat would made a fab addition to Ken’s wardrobe.


Related:

The first reactions to ‘Oppenheimer’ will not dampen your excitement
Tom Cruise reveals the right order for Barbie versus Oppenheimer