Barbie: Ryan Gosling responds to online critics that claim he’s too old to play Ken

A meta-Barbie satirical movie will definitely draw some ironic interest and plenty of raised eyebrows. When not aimed specifically at children, a feature-length adaptation of the famous and historic toy line is ripe for criticism. That is — unless those involved are taking it about as seriously as the notion of its very existence. With such unexpected talent behind this project, Barbie is predicted to be more than meets the eye. And one of its stars, Ryan Gosling, is diving in head-first into the ridiculousness. According to Variety, there have been actual criticisms against Gosling for being too old to play the *anatomically-challenged character, Ken.

Gosling is not one to take this wave of age-shaming lying down. Gosling tells GQ, “I would say, you know, if people don’t want to play with my Ken, there are many other Kens to play with. It is funny. This kind of clutching-your-pearls idea of, like, #notmyken. Like you ever thought about Ken before this?” There would be an article written about the social media debate about Gosling’s age published in the New York Post in a story titled, Gen Z ‘Barbie’ Fans Slammed for Calling Ryan Gosling Too ‘Old’ to Play Ken

As the stranger-than-fiction news story snowballs, Gosling emphasizes the perspective that “Ken’s entire existence has been to just enjoy the beach and not really exist for any sake other than to be Barbie’s guy.” The 42-year-old actor dryly jokes, “And everyone was fine with that, for him to have a job that is nothing. But suddenly, it’s like, ‘No, we’ve cared about Ken this whole time.’ No, you didn’t. You never did. You never cared. Barbie never f*cked with Ken. That’s the point. If you ever really cared about Ken, you would know that nobody cared about Ken. So your hypocrisy is exposed. This is why his story must be told.”

Gosling would catch himself breaking into small laughter when sounding off. “I care about this dude now. I’m like his representative. ‘Ken couldn’t show up to receive this award, so I’m here to accept it for him.’ ” Age controversy aside, the casting for the famous plastic couple is very on-point where both dolls have been viewed in pop culture as the picturesque image of an attractive couple with model looks.

* Footnote — the Ken doll has no genitalia.