Ryan Gosling’s “Barbie” Marketing is… Unorthodox
by J. Nagle
Whether from the Barbenheimer craze spawned by excited fans or from their fascinating marketing tactics, even those who hate all things Mattel have at least heard of the rapidly approaching Barbie film adaptation. While many of its stars have made a point to talk about the fun they had shooting the movie, none have been nearly as vocal as the film’s Ken—or at least, one of them—Ryan Gosling.
While some fans of his work may recall some of his more serious roles, such as Drive or Blade Runner 2049, the actor seems to have been having a blast working on the film in all the roles he could. Every Barbie interview with Gosling seems to reveal a new experience he’s had, and the fun that’s come with it.
To call upon the recollection of one’s own youth is nothing new in acting, where someone may need to call upon a previous memory or place in their life to achieve the authenticity they or a director is looking for in their performance. However, Ryan Gosling seems to be approaching this role as Ken with the vitriol of a character who’s already changed our world extensively, a character he’s nowhere near ready to say goodbye to once Barbie releases.
In this recent interview as well, Gosling ponders on the existence of what he dubs “Kenergy” in the modern world. How it applies to theatergoers planning to see Barbie on opening day and beyond, as well as those undiscovered, with untapped po-Ken-tial. Of all the roles in his catalog, Ryan Gosling definitely seems to be pushing for Ken to be at the top of his list for the foreseeable future.
Barbie is set to release worldwide on July 21st, 2023.