Some of Hollywood’s greatest casting moments are initially the most unexpected: Heath Ledger as the Joker in 2008 dark Knightor Matt Damon at Byrne Movie.Future additions to that list could be Ryan Gosling as Ken, the blond, dark-skinned doll brought to life in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film Barbie.
Oscar-nominated Gosling opens up active discussion of Ken and Barbie at the press conference for last summer’s spy thriller gray manand with good reason: Photos of his new “look” were (and continue to be) instant viral moments, and no actor in recent memory seems to enjoy talking about a project the way Gosling does Barbie in the press.
In fact, every time it comes up, Gosling’s quote sparks a new wave of interest on the internet, as Gosling seems to have formed a strong bond with his toy-inspired character, which he sees as a flop By. “If you really cared about Ken, you’d know nobody cared about Ken,” (as he told GQ May 2023).
As Gosling said, Ken’s story had to be told — and Gosling’s story about Ken had to be told. This post will be updated with anything else Gosling may say in the future as we all prepare for the arrival of “Ken-aissance”.
“I would never correct a Barbie doll. I never dreamed of it”
Edited Transcript, Excerpt from “Ryan Gosling Teases ‘Barbie’ Movie, His ‘Vibrant’ and ‘Greys’ Movies (Exclusive)” (entertainment tonightJuly 12, 2022):
Lauren Zima: At one point, Chris’ character insults you by calling you a Ken doll.
Ryan Gosling: It’s not insulting at all. It is not. I’m proud of it. I have that Ken-energy – obviously he feels it when he comments on it. And I still feel like Ken-ergy is alive.
close: Can you explain Ken-ergy to me?
Gosling: I can not. I mean, you know what I mean? No? You know a Ken in your life, and then you know that Ken has Ken energy.
close: Well, according to Eva Mendes, it’s Ken-aissance. Do you like the word she coined for you?
Gosling: I love it. I love it. I love her love for Ken. It means a lot to me.