Ryan Gosling brings his trademark nuance and unpredictability to the role of Ken in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie. Best known for roles in intense dramas and romantic comedies, Gosling’s casting as the usually frivolous Ken promises to subvert expectations.
Ken has traditionally been a secondary character and “accessory” to Barbie in the toy franchise. But in Gerwig’s reimagining, Gosling describes Ken as “an afterthought” who struggles with masculine ideals.
Gosling sought to explore facets of Ken “outside of being an accessory” to Barbie and the restrictive notion of masculinity Ken represents. He referred to Ken as “an experiment” and “a weirdo,” suggesting an unconventional take on the character. While plot details remain sparse, Gosling indicated that Ken’s superficial, stylized public persona will be juxtaposed with a more vulnerable and relatable inner life.
“Wearing those pink shoes, it really does suggest the absurdity of masculine identity in a comedic way,” Gosling joked, highlighting how Ken’s hypermasculine image becomes humorous when examined critically.
Gerwig and Gosling aim to subvert Ken’s traditionally secondary role by imbuing the character with depth and complexity that provide social commentary. Gosling’s portrayal seeks to explore Ken’s inner life and subject Ken’s masculine ideal to satire, suggesting a fresh take on the iconic male doll.
With Gerwig’s direction and Gosling’s acting choices, Ken may emerge as more than just the “pretty” accessory usually portrayed. Gosling’s nuanced performance promises to transform Ken from a shallow commodity into a thoughtful exploration of masculinity. Audiences will have to wait and see if Gosling can bring Ken to life in an authentic, grounded manner that elevates the character beyond his usual persona.
Ken has traditionally been a secondary character and “accessory” to Barbie in the toy franchise. But in Gerwig’s reimagining, Gosling describes Ken as “an afterthought” who struggles with masculine ideals.
Gosling sought to explore facets of Ken “outside of being an accessory” to Barbie and the restrictive notion of masculinity Ken represents. He referred to Ken as “an experiment” and “a weirdo,” suggesting an unconventional take on the character. While plot details remain sparse, Gosling indicated that Ken’s superficial, stylized public persona will be juxtaposed with a more vulnerable and relatable inner life.
“Wearing those pink shoes, it really does suggest the absurdity of masculine identity in a comedic way,” Gosling joked, highlighting how Ken’s hypermasculine image becomes humorous when examined critically.
Gerwig and Gosling aim to subvert Ken’s traditionally secondary role by imbuing the character with depth and complexity that provide social commentary. Gosling’s portrayal seeks to explore Ken’s inner life and subject Ken’s masculine ideal to satire, suggesting a fresh take on the iconic male doll.
With Gerwig’s direction and Gosling’s acting choices, Ken may emerge as more than just the “pretty” accessory usually portrayed. Gosling’s nuanced performance promises to transform Ken from a shallow commodity into a thoughtful exploration of masculinity. Audiences will have to wait and see if Gosling can bring Ken to life in an authentic, grounded manner that elevates the character beyond his usual persona.
