Ryan Gosling’s Vulnerable Performance as Ken: Unveiling the Emotional Side of ‘Barbie’

It’s time to move over Princess Peach, because Ken is here to steal the 1980s power-ballad spotlight. Ryan Gosling, who stars in the upcoming “Barbie” movie, recently released a music video for the film, showcasing his vulnerability and insecurities as Ken. In the video for “I’m Just Ken,” Gosling questions his place as Barbie’s second-fiddle and wonders if he’s destined to live a life of blond fragility. The teaser sets the stage for Ken’s narrative arc in the movie, as he becomes the unexpected emotional center after grappling with toxic masculinity.

Accompanied by other actors who portray different versions of Ken in the film, including Simu Liu, Scott Evans, Ncuti Gatwa, and Kingsley Ben-Adir, Gosling playfully ponders what it will take for Barbie to see beyond his tan and recognize the man within. The song culminates with Ken menacingly shouting threats about Malibu Beach. Greta Gerwig, the film’s director, praised Gosling’s ability to bring gravitas to the heartfelt and humorous moments.

Written by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, the song “I’m Just Ken” features the guitar skills of Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, as revealed by soundtrack producer Mark Ronson. The track is part of the movie’s soundtrack, which also includes original songs from Grammy-winning artists Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Charli XCX, and Dua Lipa. Additionally, Gosling delivers a straight-faced rendition of Matchbox 20’s hit “Push,” while Margot Robbie, a producer on the film, pushed to incorporate a version of Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” into the movie. A remix called “Barbie World” was released last month, featuring hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj and rapper Ice Spice.