Ryan Gosling to play Ken in live-action Barbie movie, according to reports

Ryan Gosling the Ken to Margot Robbie’s Barbie? Reports that heartthrob will play iconic doll

Ryan Gosling
(Image credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty)

He’s many people’s idea of a dream man, and now actor Ryan Gosling could be set to play the quintessential perfect boyfriend in the upcoming Barbie film.

Barbie has seen a lot of changes over the last few years. In the past year alone, Barbie released an Eleanor Roosevelt doll and a Barbie doll of COVID-19 vaccine creator Sarah Gilbert.

However, it looks like Ken is about to get an update too. According to Deadline, the La La Land actor is in final negotiations to sign on for the role of Barbie’s long-term beau. 

Various outlets reported that Ryan initially passed on the role due to his busy schedule but later signed on after the project was pushed back and the studio “remained persistent” about his participation.


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The Barbie film will be produced by Australian actress, who will also take on the iconic role of Barbie.

Margot, who was unrecognizable with stunning new red hair on the set of a recent film, is known for roles including Harley Quinn and Tonya Harding.

Margot Robbie

(Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty)

What is the Barbie film going to be about?

The movie will be directed by Greta Gerwig, who recently shot the Little Women remake

Little is known about the film just yet, but fans can expect to see the Barbie story reimagined thanks to the film’s director.

A history of Barbie and Ken

Barbara Millicent Roberts-better known as Barbie to most-is a fashion doll created in 1959 by Ruth Handler.

Since her appearance, Barbie has become one of the most popular dolls (and media franchises) in history.

First ever Barbie doll from 1959

(Image credit: Chesnot/Getty Images)

Known for her many different iterations based around different careers, Barbie has faced as much criticism as she has praise. Some critics suggest she sets unrealistic body images for women while others praise the feminist message behind her many different skills and jobs.

In the Barbie universe, Ken is the male counterpart to Barbie who was first introduced in 1961.

Ken doll from Mattel

(Image credit: Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images)

He is said to have met Barbie on the set of a TV commercial and would remain Barbie’s boyfriend until 2004. 

The iconic couple split in 2004, which was also the year Barbie ran for President, so it was understandable if she had other priorities.

To impress Barbie and win her back, Ken got a makeover from stylist Phillip Bloch in 2006. 

Barbie and Ken officially got back together in 2011, one of the best celebrity reconciliations until Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

Jack Slater
Freelance writer

Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.


Having written for various print and online publications—ranging from national syndicates to niche magazines—Jack has written about nearly everything there is to write about, covering LGBTQ+ news, celebrity features, TV and film scoops, reviewing the latest theatre shows lighting up London’s West End and the most pressing of SEO based stories.