Ryan Gosling, unfazed by the criticism from Gen Z detractors who believe he’s too old to portray Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie, remains resolute in his plastic durability.
At 42 years old, the esteemed Oscar nominee has directly responded to the backlash surrounding his casting as the attractive doll, who will star alongside Margot Robbie as the iconic Barbie in the highly anticipated summer blockbuster based on Mattel’s beloved toy line.
In a recent interview with GQ, Gosling addressed the concerns head-on, asserting, “If some individuals aren’t keen on playing with my Ken, there are numerous other Kens available for them.” This statement alludes to Gerwig’s innovative decision to feature multiple actors, including Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, John Cena, and more, portraying various interpretations of Ken throughout the film.
In a candid and humorous tone, Ryan Gosling responded to the critics who vehemently oppose his portrayal of Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie. Gosling questioned the sudden outrage, stating, “It’s funny how people are clutching their pearls, proclaiming #notmyken. Did you even think about Ken before this?” He highlighted the irony of individuals claiming to have always cared about Ken when, in reality, he was often overlooked and had a job that held no significance. Gosling emphasized that the essence of Barbie’s character was the lack of a romantic connection with Ken, and if people truly cared about him, they would acknowledge the historical indifference. Thus, he exposed their hypocrisy and expressed the importance of telling Ken’s story.
Closing his statement, Gosling admitted that he now genuinely cares about Ken and feels a sense of responsibility as his representative while promoting the film. He playfully mentioned that Ken couldn’t attend the award ceremony, implying his dedication to the character, and humorously stated, “So I’m here to accept it for him.”
Greta Gerwig, in collaboration with her partner Noah Baumbach, has crafted a script for the Barbie movie that strikes a balance between satire and genuine storytelling. The film explores the rich legacy of Barbie, with Margot Robbie portraying the iconic doll. Together with Ryan Gosling as Ken, they embark on a journey from the enchanting Barbie Land to the real world, where they face the challenge of adapting to their new surroundings.
In addition to Robbie and Gosling, the star-studded cast of Barbie includes talented actors like Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, as well as pop sensation Dua Lipa and comedy icon Will Ferrell. Audiences can anticipate the film’s release on July 21 in theaters, promising an entertaining and engaging experience.