Emma Thompson: "She's Everything, He's Just Ken"
Emma Thompson's daughter, Gaia Wise, has poked fun at the *Barbie
movie tagline, using stills from the 1993 film adaptation of *Much Ado About Nothing* featuring Thompson and her ex-husband Kenneth Branagh.
The Instagram post, which originally appeared on X (formerly Twitter), features a picture of Thompson as Beatrice and Branagh as Benedick alongside the caption: "She's everything. He's just Ken."
The playful jab references the *Barbie
movie's tagline "She's Everything" and contrasts it with the male lead's role as the "Ken" doll. The post cleverly highlights the contrast between the powerful, independent Beatrice and the more passive Benedick, reflecting the public perception of Thompson and Branagh's careers.
Thompson and Branagh, considered the British "Golden Couple" during their marriage, met on the set of the 1987 miniseries *Fortunes of War
and married in 1989. During their six-year marriage, Branagh directed several films in which Thompson starred, including *Henry V*, *Dead Again*, *Peterâs Friends*, and *Much Ado About Nothing*.
Their relationship ended in 1995 when Branagh's affair with Helena Bonham Carter was revealed. The couple cited conflicting work schedules as the reason for their separation, stating that they had "drifted apart."
However, Thompson later revealed in a 2022 interview with *The New Yorker
that she was "utterly, utterly blind" to Branagh's infidelity. She reflected on the experience, acknowledging that "What I learned was how easy it is to be blinded by your own desire to deceive yourself."
Despite the difficult circumstances, Thompson has maintained a positive attitude. In a 2013 interview with *The Sunday Times*, she stated that she holds no grudges against either Bonham Carter or Branagh. "That is⦠all blood under the bridge. You canât hold on to anything like that," she shared.
Thompson has been married to her *Sense and Sensibility
co-star, Greg Wise, since 2003 and they share two children. Branagh, meanwhile, married Lindsay Brunnock in 2003.
Gaia Wise's lighthearted post highlights the enduring legacy of Thompson's career and her ability to move on from past challenges with grace and humour. The post also provides a glimpse into the close relationship between mother and daughter, showcasing their shared sense of humour and ability to find light in even the most difficult situations.
