Shocking Revelation: The Real Reason Margot Robbie Refuses to Kiss Ken in Barbie

Warning! SPOILERS ahead for Barbie.

Summary

In the movie, Barbie and Ken share a strong bond but their relationship remains strictly platonic. Barbie openly expresses her lack of romantic interest in Ken.

Throughout the film, Ken experiences a personal transformation, becoming entangled in toxic power dynamics. However, he eventually comes to the understanding that he can find fulfillment without relying on those structures. This realization occurs during a heartfelt conversation with Barbie in the film's conclusion.

Margot Robbie's friends were shocked when they discovered that her character in Greta Gerwig's Barbie film never kisses Ryan Gosling's Ken. In fact, they even asked her, "What's wrong with you?" Robbie, who both stars in and produces the film, shared this amusing tidbit and revealed that her friends were surprised by this detail. Despite the absence of a kiss, Barbie received glowing reviews and was a huge success at the box office during its opening weekend.

How Barbie & Ken's Relationship Dynamic Changes Throughout Barbie

All my female friends were questioning me, saying, "So, you worked on an entire film with him, and there was no kissing involved? What's the matter with you? I assumed you were calling the shots on this project!" I responded, "I understand, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to cross that off my list yet."

Though Robbie's Barbie and Gosling's Ken share a deep bond and take center stage in Barbie, their relationship remains platonic throughout the film. Barbie explicitly expresses her lack of romantic interest in Ken. Conversely, Ken harbors feelings for Barbie and endeavors to win her heart. Together, they venture into the real world to unravel the source of her troubles. As Barbie embarks on her personal journey of self-discovery, Ken undergoes a transformative experience of his own, ultimately transforming into an unexpected antagonist.

Ken, initially enthralled by patriarchal power systems that seem to validate his worth as an individual, takes matters into his own hands in Barbie Land. By overthrowing the Barbie government, he establishes a male-dominated power structure inspired by his observations in the real world. However, the happiness Ken expected from this endeavor remains elusive, as none of his perceived priorities provide the fulfillment he truly desires. Ultimately, it is through the restoration of Barbie's world by the Barbies themselves that Ken learns an important lesson. A heartfelt conversation with Barbie helps him realize that he doesn't need her or the toxic systems of power he unknowingly embraced to find meaning in his life. In Barbie's final act, she encourages Ken to embrace his true self and reassures him that simply being "Just Ken" is enough for a fulfilling life.

While some may view the absence of romance between Barbie and Ken as a missed opportunity for the star, their journey together undoubtedly resonates with audiences. Alongside the acclaimed performances by Robbie and Gosling, both characters navigate their own deeply personal struggles, which are thoroughly explored throughout the film. Despite the lack of a romantic relationship, their emotional and heartfelt story leads them both to discover what they truly need in life, even amidst Ken's transformation in the latter half.

Source: People