The Ultimate Ken: Ryan Gosling's Unwavering Defence

Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken in the upcoming Barbie movie directed by Greta Gerwig, continues to defend his casting against critics who claim he is too old for the role. In an interview with GQ, Gosling explains that Ken was not a prominent character before his casting and argues that his age should not be a factor in his portrayal of the iconic doll's companion.

If people are hesitant to play with my Ken, there are plenty of other Kens available. The idea that people are clutching their pearls over the notion of #notmyken is amusing. Have you ever even given Ken a second thought before this?

For the longest time, it was perfectly acceptable for Ken to have a job that amounted to nothing. However, all of sudden, people are claiming to care about Ken. But did they really? Barbie never even bothered with Ken. That was the point. If you truly cared about Ken, you would know that nobody ever did. Your hypocrisy is now exposed. This is precisely why his story needs to be told.

“I care about this dude now. I’m like his representative. ‘Ken couldn’t show up to receive this award, so I’m here to accept it for him.’ ”

Ryan Gosling Might Be The Perfect Ken

Gerwig's upcoming adaptation of Barbie appears to have a more intricate and multi-layered approach than what was initially anticipated. The movie delves into the profound themes of self-discovery and purpose, exploring how Barbie and Ken, as dolls, navigate their own existence and come to terms with their place in the world. Despite the heavy subject matter, the trailers suggest that Gerwig's take on Barbie will also retain a lighthearted and unique atmosphere, offering plenty of comedic relief.

Gosling's versatility as an actor makes him an ideal fit for the role of Ken in Barbie. His ability to balance comedic timing with dramatic weight is evident in films like Crazy, Stupid, Love, La La Land, Lars and the Real Girl, and A Place Beyond the Pines, where he portrays nuanced characters with inner emotionality. Even when playing outwardly funny or foolish characters, such as in The Nice Guys, Gosling brings a unique earnest quality that makes them feel like real, complex individuals. As Ken, he has the potential to bring depth and complexity to a character that could easily be reduced to a one-dimensional joke.

Source: GQ