Ryan Gosling’s talent for comedy and his memorable appearances on Saturday Night Live played a significant role in securing his role as Ken in the fantasy-comedy film Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. In a recent episode of the SmartLess podcast, Gerwig discussed how she was convinced that Gosling had a natural flair for humor and was a perfect fit for the role of Ken. His SNL skits, especially the popular “Guy That Just Got a Boat” on “Weekend Update,” left a lasting impression on Gerwig, leading her to include his name in the screenplay even before they met.
During the production of Barbie, Gerwig and Gosling got to know each other well, bonding over their mutual admiration for Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone. The two exchanged constant texts and found common ground in discussing Stallone’s iconic ’70s look, which served as an inspiration for Ken’s exploration of different portrayals of masculinity in the movie.
Gosling’s charm didn’t go unnoticed by his co-star Margot Robbie, who expressed regret over not having an on-screen kiss with him in the film. Robbie, also one of the producers of Barbie, jokingly revealed that her friends were surprised by the lack of a kiss between her character and Ken, considering her role in the film’s production.
While Gosling’s performance and on-set chemistry with the cast received high praise, the likelihood of a Barbie sequel remains uncertain. Greta Gerwig recently admitted that she currently has no concrete ideas for the next chapter in Barbie’s story, leaving fans curious about the future of the beloved fantasy-comedy film.
Barbie is now playing in cinemas, captivating audiences with its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of the iconic doll’s journey in the real world.