Ryan Gosling, renowned actor known for his diverse range of roles, recently revealed his initial reluctance in taking on the character of Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. Despite the immense anticipation surrounding the film’s release in July 2023, Gosling found the process of preparing for the role and embracing it rather harrowing. According to Gosling’s candid interview with Variety, he confessed that playing Ken was “the hardest role I’ve ever had to play.” Initially, he had turned down the opportunity due to scheduling conflicts and some reservations about embodying a character that had once been dismissed as a mere punchline in pop culture.
One of the challenges Gosling faced while portraying Ken was the lack of substantial material to draw upon for the character. As a seasoned actor who thrives on well-developed roles, this posed an additional hurdle. However, once Gosling fully embraced the idea, he realized that discovering who Ken truly was would be like walking a tightrope without a safety net—wearing tiny shorts and no shirt. Gosling reminisced about his determination to make his mark, stating, “I wanted to make sure if I was going to do it—I couldn’t mess this up. I couldn’t be the guy who messed up the Barbie movie. So if I’m going to do it, I have to exceed even my own expectations.”
To delve deeper into the psyche of Ken, Gosling drew inspiration from his own experiences as a child performer, particularly his pursuit of validation through singing at weddings. He explained how he often questioned himself upon returning home after such events, wondering about the purpose of his role. During these moments of self-doubt, his wife, Eva Mendes, offered a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Just make it about Barbie.” This statement became Gosling’s guiding light, transforming every take into an opportunity to captivate Barbie’s attention.
Come March, the world will witness the extent to which Barbie has influenced the film industry when the Oscars reveal their nominations. Despite the film receiving multiple nominations in various categories, some argue that Barbie has been overlooked by the Academy. Gosling, who secured a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his remarkable portrayal of Ken, expressed his disappointment in the Academy’s omissions of Margot Robbie for Best Actress and Greta Gerwig for Best Director. Clearly, Barbie’s impact on the industry cannot be denied, as it was named GameSpot’s best movie of 2023.
Ryan Gosling’s journey as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was fraught with challenges, reluctant acceptance, and the pressure to surpass expectations. Despite these hurdles, Gosling persevered and crafted a mesmerizing portrayal that showcases his skill and dedication as an actor. The impact of Barbie on the film industry will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, regardless of the outcome at the Oscars. It is a testament to the transformative power of film and the talents who bring these iconic characters to life.
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