The upcoming movie “Barbie” has stirred up quite an online debate about the casting choices and whether they accurately represent the iconic doll’s world. Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken in the film, recently responded to the criticism about his age and suitability for the role. In an interview with GQ, Gosling poked fun at those who suddenly found themselves concerned with Ken’s age, saying, “Like you ever thought about Ken before this? If you ever really cared about Ken, you would know that nobody cared about Ken.”
The original criticism came from Gen Z viewers who believed that Gosling, at 42 years old, is too old to play Ken, a character who has been traditionally portrayed as younger. However, Gosling brushes off the criticism, saying, “If people don’t want to play with my Ken, there are many other Kens to play with.” He adds that the character of Ken has always been one-dimensional, playing only as the love interest for Barbie, and that his new storyline in the movie adds more complexity to the persona.
Reflecting on his own evolution as an actor, Gosling sees himself in Ken’s character as “no thoughts, just vibes.” He also credits his daughters for inspiring his participation in the film, as they frequently interact with the Barbie toy range. Gosling added that his partner, Eva Mendes, is the one he turns to for parenting advice.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, the “Barbie” movie stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, with several actors, including Kate McKinnon, Dua Lipa, and Issa Rae, playing variations of the doll. The film will show Barbie leaving an idyllic fantasy world to consider life themes such as death and ageing in the real world.
Despite the criticisms, the movie’s trailer has gained a lot of positive feedback and generated excitement among fans. “Barbie” is set to be released in cinemas on July 21st, and it remains to be seen if the controversy surrounding its casting choices will affect ticket sales.
In the end, Ryan Gosling’s comments about the Ken character serve as a reminder that even a classic toy’s story can evolve and become more nuanced.
