Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu in talks to star with Margot Robbie in Barbie live-action film

Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu will likely be boarding the cast of director Greta Gerwig's live-action Barbie film with Margot Robbie in the titular role.

Though not much is known about the film's plot, the story is written by Gerwig and Noah Noah Baumbach. 

Ryan Gosling will be seen as Barbie's boyfriend Ken. America Ferrera is also part of the film, though her role has not been specified yet.

Barbie has been in the pipeline since 2019. Production is expected to begin this year at the Warner Bros Leavesden studio in London, writes Variety. 

Robbie will produce through her banner LuckyChap along with Tom Ackerley. Mattel's Robbie Brenner and David Heyman (Harry Potter series, Paddington) are also producers. 

Before breaking into the mainstream as superhero Shang-Chi, Liu starred in the popular Canadian series Kim's Convenience. He has appeared on Orphan Black, Fresh Off the Boat, Awkafina is Nora from Queens and voiced Lah Zhima in Disney+ series Star Wars: Visions.