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Writer's pictureTRR - Kim

Ryan Gosling Transforms into Ken for Barbie Movie Role!



The live action Barbie film news has caused quite the stir here at The Realview Room. When the image of Margot Robbie as the titular character appeared online, it actually broke our website and caused our social media to go bonkers! So in a way, thank you Barbie! But now, it's Ken's turn!


One of Hollywood's most infamous movie heartthrobs, Ryan Gosling (known for his roles in The Notebook, La La Land, Drive and Blade Runner 2049 to name a few) has undergone a makeover to suit a fantastic plastic lifestyle as he stars alongside Margot Robbie for the upcoming live action Barbie Movie.


Barbie fans have seen many animated adaption films based around the infamous doll, however in July 2023, this will be the first time that Barbie will be brought to life in live action on screen.


Just over a month ago, Warner Bros. had announced the film's cinematic release date as July 2023. At that point the only thing that the public knew of was the title, the release date and a single image of Harley Quinn actress Margot Robbie in her new role as Barbie.


In my honest opinion, this film looks like it's set to be full of slapstick comedy, sarcastic and possibly iconic one liners and just simply fun. Whether the film will be suitable for all ages to view yet, is something that we don't know at this moment in time.

Public Opinion


So what do people think to Ryan Gosling's new look? In all honesty there has been a very mixed bag of opinions. Some are absolutely loving it expressing that he looks perfect. While others are wondering why Gosling is in the role at all when there are younger actors that can easily take on the character of Ken (Barbie's love interest). I personally am a little mixed myself, and here's why. Yes his look goes well with the very sickly sweet pink theme and yes he does indeed look more doll like. Whether the actors are supposed to look like the dolls we don't know but never mind. I'm loving the self labelled underwear that resemble the world famous brand Calvin Klein, it shows a little bit of a pompous side to him as he wears his own name on his clothing. I would like to also state that I am not implying that CK wearers are pompous by an means. Just to make that clear.


I also feel that the well tanned look or maybe even over tanned look in his case actually fits the character well, Ken is known to be precisely groomed and well presented at all times. The only thing I myself am not too sure about is the bleached blonde do. Yes, I mean the hair.


From my memory of playing with Barbie and Ken dolls, I have always remembered him to have light brown hair, or sometimes even highlighted brown hair. However as times have changed some of the dolls are now very blonde. So maybe this is just me showing my age. However I won't lie, it is incredibly hard not to look at Gosling's new look without immediately thinking of the online sensation and professional hairstylist Brad Mondo (by the way we love him here at The Realview Room, so this is not a criticism at all).


Casting & Plot


So, now we have been given our first look at our main stars in the movie we can only speculate or wait in anticipation about what other roles and looks to expect from the remining high profile cast members. There are rumours circulating in the media that there may be a plot where there are multiple versions of Ken. This is all due to the how the casting is currently looking. How true this actually is we just don't know.


Just who else can we expect to see in the film? The current cast list includes Will Ferrell (most well known for his role of Buddy the elf in the festive film "Elf"), also Marvel Studio's Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu, Alexandra Shipp (whom most recently as seen starring alongside Andrew Garfield in the Netflix musical hit "Tick, Tick Boom!"), Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, and three of the cast members from Netflix's hilarious comedy Sex Education - Emma Mackey, newly appointed Doctor who star Ncuti Gatwa and Connor Swindells also.


Simu Liu, Ryan Gosling and Ncuti Gatwa are all listed as "Ken" in the casting lists online. There also appears to be other Barbie's also. One of which being actress Issa Rae. This further supports the plot rumours.


Are you excited about the upcoming live action Barbie movie? Or are you simply dreading all the hype already? Let us know our thoughts over on our social media accounts, we would love to see your views.







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