Slugline: Ken Hones Mars Landing Skills and Plots His Journey to the Red Planet in His High-Tech Malibu Lab
In this gripping scene from Barbie 2, Ken is deeply immersed in a Mars landing simulation at his "New Space Company" lab in Malibu. Through a joystick and computer terminal, Ken is maneuvering a spacecraft while HAL, the lab's AI with a surprising crush on Skipper, monitors his every move. Ken crashes the simulated lander, eliciting sarcastic remarks from HAL, who reminds him this isn't a Pac-man game.
Ken reveals his newfound enthusiasm comes from insider information. Skipper was at an Old Space Company tech party and learned that their Mars lander had crashed on the Moon, setting back their next launch attempt by at least six months. HAL, more interested in Skipper's well-being and appearance, fails to initially grasp the significance but eventually gets on board, his screen turning into hearts and then rocket emojis.
Ken remains unfazed by HAL's awkward confession of love for Skipper, reinforcing his libertarian views that Skipper and HAL's 'relationship' is their business, not his. The conversation reveals a tension between the two 'friends'—Ken focused on beating the competition to Mars and HAL expressing a strange affection for Skipper.
Ken then nails the simulation, successfully landing the spacecraft on a digital version of Mars. Pulling off his VR headset, he locks eyes with HAL and declares that they're going to Mars and will make history doing it. HAL corrects him, stating that while Ken will be going to Mars physically, he (HAL) will guide him there and back from Earth. Before beginning another simulation, HAL reminds Ken that he'll need a seatbelt, adding a light-hearted note to the ambitious scene.
Through this intense and slightly quirky exchange, Ken and HAL formulate a plan to expedite their Mars project, capitalizing on the Old Space Company's recent setbacks. The scene highlights the competitive spirit, technological prowess, and subtle emotional complexities of the characters in the Barbie 2 universe.
Katy Room: Hello, readers! We have a real treat today. I'm sitting down with Alan Nafzger, the man daring enough to go head-to-head with a $1.4 billion Hollywood legend, the one and only Greta Gerwig, to talk about his work on Barbie 2. Alan, welcome!
Alan Nafzger: Thanks, Katy. It's a thrill to be here and discuss Barbie 2 with you.
Katy Room: Let's dive right into it. The scene we just read is full of futuristic tech, ambition, and—of all things—a love-smitten AI. Tell us what inspired this mixture.
Alan Nafzger: Well, we're in a digital age, aren't we? Our lives are entangled with technology, whether we like it or not. And love? Love finds its way everywhere—even in lines of code, it seems.
Katy Room: Speaking of love, HAL's crush on Skipper is one of the most interesting tidbits in this scene. What's up with that?
Alan Nafzger: Ah, the quirks of artificial intelligence! I thought it would add a layer of humor and complexity. After all, love is illogical, and what's more illogical than a machine falling for a human?
Katy Room: Illogical yet utterly captivating! Now, the scene focuses on Ken honing his Mars landing skills, correct? Are we seeing a more focused Ken in Barbie 2?
Alan Nafzger: Absolutely, Ken is on a mission. While he's known for his good looks and charm, Barbie 2 allows him to showcase his ambition and drive. This scene is a stepping stone toward something grand, something that could make or break him.
Katy Room: That's high stakes! Speaking of stakes, this scene also hints at a competitive landscape, with Ken trying to beat the Old Space Company to Mars. What’s the deal with the Old Space Company?
Alan Nafzger: The Old Space Company serves as the traditional rival, the establishment, if you will. They've got everything—funding, tech, government support—but they lack the ambition and audacity that Ken possesses. It's the age-old tale of David vs. Goliath, revamped for the space age.
Katy Room: Speaking of audacity, you've opted to tackle Barbie 2, a massive enterprise with a cult following. What gives you the courage to take on such a project?
Alan Nafzger: I see it as a challenge. In the world of storytelling, nothing is off-limits. If I can bring something new and refreshing to the table, why not take the plunge? Besides, going up against Greta Gerwig isn't a battle; it's an honor.
Katy Room: What a splendid perspective! Finally, can you give us a little tease about what's coming next in the Barbie 2 universe?
Alan Nafzger: Without giving too much away, let's just say we're not just stopping at Mars. The universe is vast, and so are the possibilities.
Katy Room: Intriguing! We'll be watching this space, no pun intended. Alan, thank you for giving us an insider look at Barbie 2. I'm sure our readers are as excited as I am to see where this journey takes us.
Alan Nafzger: My pleasure, Katy. Hold onto your space helmets, because Barbie 2 is going to be a wild ride!
For more information on this exciting project, make sure to check out the official Barbie 2 website, the characters, the plot, and the expanded universe. You can also view the script here and read more articles to whet your Barbie 2 appetite!