In the 2023 blockbuster hit Barbie, Will Ferrell’s character, the CEO of Mattel, is seen holding drumsticks during high-stakes business meetings—an odd choice that has sparked curiosity among fans and critics alike. Recently, Ferrell shed light on this quirky detail during a his Despicable Me 4 co-star Kristen Wiig.
When asked about the drumsticks, Ferrell revealed that their inclusion was less about practicality and more about making a statement. “I don’t know what possessed me to think, ‘You know what this character needs? Drumsticks,’ but I love it. It’s a weird and brilliant little detail,” Ferrell said, explaining that the drumsticks were meant to enhance his character’s portrayal as a superficial and pretentious executive.
In the film, Ferrell’s character is introduced sitting at a large boardroom table surrounded by a group of white men in suits. While the discussion revolves around the iconic toys produced by Mattel, the CEO’s drumsticks stand out as an incongruous accessory. There is no drum set in sight, and Ferrell simply uses the sticks to point at others or tap on the table, a deliberate choice that adds to the character’s insufferable demeanor.
Director Greta Gerwig, who embraced the idea of the drumsticks, saw them as a perfect visual cue to underscore the character’s egotism. Ferrell noted, “Sometimes small details end up getting lost in the editing of a movie. But in this case, the lack of a reason for the drumsticks is entirely the reason.”
The decision to color-coordinate the drumsticks with the signature hue of Barbie further accentuates the character’s absurdity. Though the drumsticks themselves do not drive the plot, they serve as a subtle yet effective tool for character development, reinforcing the CEO’s role as a bumbling and self-important figure.
Ferrell’s offbeat approach to the character in Barbie exemplifies how seemingly minor details can enhance a film’s narrative and comedic impact. While the drumsticks might not be the central element of the film’s humor, they certainly contribute to making Ferrell’s role memorable.
Barbie, with its clever details and sharp wit, stands as one of Ferrell’s most entertaining films, with the drumsticks adding an extra layer of humor and character nuance.
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