Margot Robbie has established herself as a powerhouse in Hollywood, not just as an actress but also as a producer. When it came to the highly anticipated Barbie movie, she played a pivotal role in shaping the project—a role that went beyond just being the film’s lead. However, new revelations suggest that Gossip Girl star Blake Lively was once in the running for a role in the film but allegedly sought more creative control than the project allowed, leading to her quiet removal from the cast.

Blake Lively’s Near Miss with Barbie

During the casting process, Blake Lively’s name was among those being considered for a role in Barbie. Given her past collaboration with America Ferrera in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Lively seemed like a natural fit. The filmmakers aimed to bring together actresses from iconic female-led ensembles, adding nostalgia to Greta Gerwig’s feminist masterpiece.

With her reputation as a fashion icon and Hollywood sweetheart, Lively was an obvious choice. However, behind the scenes, reports suggest that things didn’t go as smoothly. While other actresses, including Issa Rae, Dua Lipa, and Hari Nef, embraced the film’s concept of celebrating diverse femininity and teamwork, Lively reportedly had other ambitions.

Creative Control vs. Collaborative Vision

Unlike many of the actresses who signed onto Barbie as part of an ensemble, Lively allegedly pushed for a more prominent role with greater creative influence. Sources claim she wanted script changes that would elevate her character’s presence, making it more than just another Barbie in the film’s collective world. She reportedly sought a say in storytelling aspects, character development, and costume design—a level of involvement that conflicted with the film’s vision.

In a resurfaced clip, Lively admitted to often wanting more control over projects, saying, “I knew that they just wanted me to show up and look cute, but I wanted to be a part of the storytelling. Sometimes that was welcomed, but sometimes it felt like a rug pull.”

This approach clashed with Barbie’s collaborative structure, which focused on an ensemble cast rather than a singular standout performance. The film was not meant to be a platform for one actress to dominate but rather a shared space celebrating different versions of Barbie.

Margot Robbie Takes a Stand

As both lead actress and producer through her company LuckyChap Entertainment, Margot Robbie had the final say in major creative decisions. While she never publicly commented on Lively’s involvement, her actions spoke volumes. Reports indicate that once it became clear that Lively wanted a bigger role than what was originally intended, negotiations stalled, and she was quietly phased out of discussions.

Robbie had worked tirelessly to bring Barbie to life, spending years developing the film with Greta Gerwig. She was focused on ensuring a smooth production and had no interest in unnecessary drama that could derail the project. Instead, she prioritized maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment.

A Missed Opportunity or a Bullet Dodged?

In the end, Barbie became a billion-dollar blockbuster without Lively, proving that the film didn’t need her star power to shine. The project remained true to its original vision, with each actress playing a distinct yet equal role in the ensemble.

While some might argue that Lively missed out on a major opportunity, others see this as another example of her allegedly overstepping creative boundaries. Similar reports surfaced regarding her involvement in It Ends With Us, where she was rumored to have pushed for significant script changes, causing friction behind the scenes.

Margot Robbie made the right call, and the film’s massive success speaks for itself. Whether or not Blake Lively’s approach will continue to work in Hollywood remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Robbie ensured that Barbie was about the collective, not the individual.