Ryan Gosling’s latest intriguing tease regarding his Barbie character is perfect news for the movie. Under the critically acclaimed direction of Greta Gerwig, Barbie is the first live-action film adaptation of the classic Mattel doll line. The movie features an ensemble cast led by Margot Robbie as the titular character who becomes disillusioned with her real-world experiences and co-stars Ryan Gosling as Ken, her loyal, beach-blond partner. Since Barbie is slated for release in 2023, its plot is still being kept tightly under wraps; however, Gosling has recently given a glimpse into his role.
In a recent interview for his new Netflix film Gosling revealed story details about his character Ken, who “is going through some stuff.” Barbie’s male counterpart reportedly is in dire financial straits; he is unemployed, penniless, and homeless. Instead of being in a picture-perfect romance, Gosling’s Ken is set to meet Robbie’s Barbie while in an entirely unflattering situation. Although unconventional, this characterization is, in fact, best for how the film is shaping up.
While Ryan Gosling might be somehow joking as he talked about his part in Barbie, this tease actually shows that the movie will involve a deeper story. Despite living in an ostensibly perfect world, the characters are not as glamorous as they seem, and even the supposedly impeccable leading man is going through an existential crisis. If this truly ends up to be Ken’s journey in the Barbie film, set in Barbieland and the real world, it will be the springboard for humanizing the iconic doll. After all, he has been the ing character in most of Barbie’s stories, so it will be refreshing to see a realistic, struggling Ken be represented by his character’s different, more human side.
The Barbie Movie Just Keeps Getting More Exciting
Gosling’s sad Ken reveal further amps up the excitement for the Barbie movie. Aside from Robbie and Gosling, Barbie will feature an ensemble cast of veteran actors and up-and-coming talents. The stars of Peaky Blinders’ Kingsley Ben-Adair are also included. They are ed by America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Scott Evans, and Will Ferrell.
This casting choice has sparked rumors about the possible introduction of multiple Barbies and Kens in the movie, particularly because its context is still vague. With Gerwig’s penchant for creating modern feminist movies, Barbie might explore the archetypal character's different genders, body types, and ethnicities. The film might also be an instrument in discussing the longstanding criticisms thrown at Mattel for perpetuating unattainable beauty standards and excluding diversity in its products. Moreover, the decision for Barbie’s characters to subvert expectations and reflect reality in a meta way, especially Ryan Gosling’s Ken, will surely engross audiences when the movie finally releases in 2023.
