According to IMDb trivia, however, the actor’s decision to join Greta Gerwig‘s blockbuster came after an unexpected moment at home involving his daughter’s Ken doll.
The Photo That Convinced Ryan Gosling to Become Ken
Gosling did not immediately embrace the role of Ken. The actor has said he hesitated before signing on, but everything changed after he came across his daughter’s Ken doll lying face down in the mud beside a squashed lemon. He took a photo of the scene and sent it to director Gerwig with the message, “I shall be your Ken, his story must be told.”
The anecdote has since become one of the best-known behind-the-scenes stories surrounding the film, offering a glimpse into how Gosling connected with a character who would evolve far beyond a traditional supporting role. In Gerwig’s screenplay, Ken embarks on his own journey of self-discovery as he grapples with identity, purpose, and his place alongside Barbie.
Released on July 21, 2023, “Barbie” starred Margot Robbie as the iconic doll and Gosling as Beach Ken. Directed by Gerwig and co-written with Noah Baumbach, the fantasy comedy follows Barbie and Ken as they leave Barbieland for the real world after Barbie experiences an existential crisis. The picture also featured America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Issa Rae, Will Ferrell, and Rhea Perlman.
The film became a global phenomenon after its release, fueled in part by the “Barbenheimer” cultural event that saw audiences pairing it with “Oppenheimer.” “Barbie” earned more than $1.4 billion worldwide, became the highest-grossing title of 2023, and received eight Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning Best Original Song for Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”.