While Barbie enjoys box-office success, its cast and team members are enjoying their share of fanfare as well. Most notably, its director, Greta Gerwig, has been applauded worldwide for her masterful work on the hyper-realistic adaptation of Barbie. Lauded as one of the most inclusive movies of this decade, Barbie touched many hearts with its representation of varied personalities and body types. Especially through the Barbies that were unique.

For some that love a touch of quirk, the Weird Barbie with all her eccentricities is the one that stands out most. The run-down-looking doll is played by Kate McKinnon, who had quite a special relationship with Gerwig from many years ago.

Greta Gerwig compares McKinnon to Meryl Streep

Appearing in the SmartLess podcast, Gerwig reveals that while they were in separate colleges, she and Kate McKinnon were roommates. Showering the SNL alum with compliments, she calls her the “funniest, most talented person” she had ever met. Recalling how her roommate excelled at all fields of acting, she goes on to say “She could do anything…she was like Meryl Streep.”

The host that can be heard interjecting her to take some friendly jabs at McKinnon is Ozark‘s Kingpin, Jason Bateman. He starred opposite McKinnon and Jennifer Aniston in a 2016 flick, where he got the chance to get to know the Ghostbusters actress. Gerwig also mentions how she did playwriting classes with McKinnon. But her remarks about another Barbie surprise the hosts the most.

In the conversation, the White Noise actress also reveals her opinions on Ryan Gosling. And her reason for picking him for the role of Ken is not what you would think.

Ryan Gosling was not sure about playing Ken

As the podcast moves along, Gerwig explains her motivations for making Barbie and how she chose the cast. She says how she and Margot Robbie both wanted Ryan Gosling for Stereotypical Ken’s role. They were hellbent on convincing the Canadian actor who initially wasn’t sure if he was the right fit for the role. She gives the reason behind this choice when a host asks if it’s because Gosling is a “hot dude.“

She explains how she really enjoys Ryan Gosling’s comedy, especially in SNL. One thing is for sure, she surely has a special place in her heart for SNL, considering her affinity for both Kate McKinnon and the Canadian actor. 

Were you aware of Kate McKinnon’s shared connection with Greta Gerwig? Tell us in the comments below.