With a reboot of Barbarella officially in the works, anticipation is running high to see who might fill the sparkly space boots of Jane Fonda’s interstellar icon. The 1968 cult sci-fi classic, directed by Roger Vadim and based on the French comic by Jean-Claude Forest, is beloved for its surreal visuals, camp energy, and unapologetically retro-futuristic flair.
Fonda’s Barbarella was a wide-eyed, peace-loving heroine who traversed the galaxy in a series of increasingly bizarre and seductive scenarios including a malfunctioning “pleasure machine,” angelic lovers, and a villainous tyrant with a fondness for excess. While it wasn’t exactly high art, Barbarella became a pop-culture phenomenon and a touchstone for sci-fi style and sexual revolution.
A reboot offers the perfect opportunity to update the story with fresh thematic depth, while preserving the original’s fantasy appeal. But that means casting the right lead is absolutely vital. She has to balance power and playfulness, naivety and strength, all while carrying a film that’s as much about energy and charisma as it is about narrative.
So who could possibly take on this cosmic role? Here are five actresses who we think could absolutely rock it — and one wildcard who might just steal the show.
1. Sydney Sweeney
Why it works: Sydney Sweeney has been heavily rumoured to take on the role and for good reason. With her breakout performances in Euphoria, Anyone But You, and Immaculate, she’s shown both range and star power. She can play innocence with a twist, and brings a seductive intelligence that could modernise Barbarella without losing the character’s core charm. She also has a nostalgic yet fresh screen presence and let’s face it, she would look incredible in a sparkly space suit.
2. Anya Taylor-Joy
Why it works: Taylor-Joy thrives in worlds that blend fantasy and reality just look at The Queen’s Gambit, The Northman, and Furiosa. She has an ethereal quality that could bring elegance and depth to Barbarella, while still selling the camp when needed. If this reboot leans into the surrealism and fantasy, she’s the perfect anchor.
3. Florence Pugh
Why it works: Pugh is one of the most fearless actresses working today. From Midsommar to Don’t Worry Darling, she commits fully, no matter how wild the ride. Her grounded strength and wry humour would add layers to a character that in the wrong hands might come across as one-dimensional. Plus, she knows how to lead a genre film.
4. Amandla Stenberg
Why it works: Amandla is quietly becoming a sci-fi star. With The Acolyte and Bodies Bodies Bodies, she’s shown a confident range that would fit a reimagined Barbarella perfectly. She could bring a more emotionally resonant and socially aware take on the character, which would suit a modern update beautifully.
5. Dafne Keen
Why it works: From Logan to His Dark Materials, Keen has built a reputation for tough, emotionally intense performances but she’s also got a sly sense of humour and undeniable screen presence. Casting a slightly younger Barbarella could open up a new origin-story angle, and Keen could take the role in a totally new direction.
Wildcard: Maya Hawke
Why it works: Hawke might not be the obvious choice, but that’s exactly why she deserves a look. She has a quirky, offbeat charisma that could tap into the satirical tone of the original. Her deadpan charm would work wonders in the film’s more bizarre set pieces — imagine her dry wit in the excessive decadence of Sogo, the city of evil, or facing off with Duran Duran’s “orgasmatron” machine.
Imagining the Reboot
The original Barbarella had a series of unforgettable set pieces — the opening zero-gravity striptease, the labyrinthine city of Sogo, the Mathmos energy creature, and of course, the infamous “Excessive Machine” that couldn’t handle Barbarella’s… endurance. Today’s version would likely retain these iconic moments, but with modern VFX and storytelling tools, they could be reimagined as visually stunning, narratively rich sequences.
Imagine a new opening that nods to the original’s sensuality, but with more agency. Or a fresh version of the angel Pygar, this time with an actual character arc. Done right, the reboot could be a smart, psychedelic, visually dazzling piece of sci-fi escapism — a feminist space opera with style.
Barbarella isn’t just about saving the galaxy — it’s about how you do it, and what you wear while doing it. Whoever lands the role has big moon boots to fill, but the right actress could take it to the next planet.
