The Mysterious Sleeping Arrangements of Kens in Barbie: A Fan Theory

The Success and Enigma of Barbie

Barbie delivered many things including a powerful message, well-thought-out characters, beautiful scenery, and hopes for a sequel, but it did not deliver an answer to where the Kens sleep each night. Thanks to all of the aforementioned elements, the movie became a smashing success and generated over $1 billion at the box office. Margot Robbie and the rest of the cast's ability to breathe life into the iconic characters and Greta Gerwig's creative vision contributed to the massive hype surrounding the film and its dominance in 2023.

ryan gosling and the kens in barbie

The movie is careful to keep the Barbies front and center, as it serves as a stark juxtaposition to the real world to see such a female-centric government and society. Therefore, the Kens' lives are not heavily explored throughout the events of Barbie. Despite the overwhelming success of Barbie and its numerous positive attributes, the unanswered question about Kens' sleeping arrangements has become a playful yet lingering mystery. It becomes especially interesting to speculate about when considering the film's meticulous attention to detail and world-building which left no other stone unturned.

Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) in Barbie's car with rollerblades

Barbie Never Reveals Where The Kens Sleep

Barbie provides the answer to how many different things work in Barbieland and does a great job of bringing the dolls to life with lots of information about the residents' day-to-day lives. One question it does not answer, though, is where the Kens sleep. The movie highlights Barbie and her Dreamhouse and even shows her hosting sleepover parties, but there is no indication that was ever given about where their male counterparts rest. The Kens are just shown around Barbieland, but never in their homes.

Ryan Gosling as Ken in his fur coat in Barbie

This has led to speculation that the Kens just don't sleep. Given that the Barbies need to, though, it's pretty safe to assume that it is a biological need for the Kens as well. Because the movie's primary focus is on stereotypical Barbie and her friends, it makes sense that the Kens living arrangements weren't deeply explored, but there is still lingering curiosity about it.

Ryan Gosling as Ken looking away from Barbie.

Where The Kens Likely Sleep

While there is no definitive answer as to where the Kens sleep, there is a fan theory that provides a heartbreaking explanation. It suggests that when the Kens are not staying with the Barbies in their beautiful Dream Homes, they are left looking for anywhere to sleep. That leaves them making sleeping arrangements in places like beaches, parks, and cars. Another possibility is that the Kens all share one home, somewhat like a frat house. Perhaps, a Barbie sequel or even a Ken spinoff could provide the answer to this very important question.

Ryan Gosling as Ken Crying in the Barbie Movie