Ryan Gosling Plays With Barbie's Diversity: Imagines a 'Curvy Ken' for Barbie 2

Ryan Gosling has addressed rumors about a potential sequel to the blockbuster film Barbie, stating that he's unaware of any such project. At London's BFI Southbank, alongside co-star America Ferrera, Gosling dismissed a fan's inquiry about a sequel, stating (via Variety), "Oh, I'm not going anywhere near that. We really know nothing."

During the conversation, Gosling playfully explored the idea of a Ken-centric spinoff with a twist on the character, suggesting, "Can it be a husky Ken? Can I play Husky Ken, like Sandwich Ken? Can I play that Ken next time?" Ferrera stepped in to clarify that the filmmakers didn't initially plan to create a franchise, making any talk of a sequel purely speculative, and that they "really know nothing."

Director Greta Gerwig recently discussed the possibility of a Ken-focused follow-up to the film in an interview with 60 Minutes. She neither confirmed nor denied the idea, stating, "I mean, the truth is, you know…I guess we'll see? We had way too much material for Ken. We would write, and write and write."

As talks about a potential sequel continue, Variety reported that Mattel executives are excited about the various storytelling possibilities within the Barbieland universe. The brand is considered to be "very broad and very elastic" in terms of potential storytelling avenues.

Margot Robbie, the actress portraying Barbie in the film, was conspicuously missing from the London event. Gosling humorously acknowledged Robbie's absence, quipping, "The disappointment you feel that Barbie's not here--that's Ken's life."

Barbie will be accessible for streaming on Max beginning December 15, with an ASL version also being available.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Ryan Gosling, I am thrilled to hear about his involvement in the potential Barbie sequel and the rumored Ken spinoff. His witty suggestion of a 'Husky Ken' adds a humorous touch to the ongoing speculation surrounding the franchise. Gosling's playful approach to the idea of a Ken-centric spinoff demonstrates his comedic talent and his ability to engage with fans in a lighthearted manner. I appreciate his willingness to entertain the possibility of playing a different version of Ken, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Furthermore, I am excited about the prospect of exploring the Barbieland universe further. The brand's broad and elastic nature allows for endless storytelling possibilities, and I am eager to see how the filmmakers will expand upon the world of Barbie and Ken. The inclusion of an ASL version of the film on Max is also a commendable step towards inclusivity, making the movie accessible to a wider audience. Overall, I am optimistic about the future of the Barbie franchise and look forward to seeing what Ryan Gosling and the team have in store for us.