• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Ryan Gosling responds to critics of his casting as Ken in 'Barbie' movie

0:37
‘Barbie’ cast coming to ‘GMA’ this July
Gregory Harris/GQ
ByStephen Iervolino
May 31, 2023, 7:58 PM

Ryan Gosling is opening up on his career, his family life and the hype around playing Ken in the upcoming "Barbie" movie.

In a new interview with GQ, the 42-year-old actor said of his character, the famously insignificant other to the titular doll, "Ken, his job is beach. For 60 years, his job has been beach. What the f*** does that even mean?"

Related Articles

MORE: See Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and more in 'Barbie' main trailer

Still, Gosling said he "touched base" with his kid performer self to bring the plastic doll to life. "There’s something about this Ken that really, I think, relates to that version of myself," he told the outlet.

Ryan Gosling as Ken in a scene from the movie "Barbie."
Warner Bros.

Editor’s Picks

Margot Robbie talks highly anticipated 'Barbie' movie in Vogue's summer issue

  • May 24, 2023

1st single from 'Barbie' movie soundtrack out now: Watch Dua Lipa's music video here

  • May 26, 2023

See Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and more in 'Barbie' main trailer

  • May 25, 2023

"Just, like, the guy that was putting on [MC] Hammer pants and dancing at the mall and smelling like Drakkar Noir and Aqua Net-ing bang," he continued. "I owe that kid a lot."

Like Ken, the younger version of Gosling "didn't know what he was doing or why he was doing it, he was just doing it," he said.

Ryan Gosling is the cover star of GQ's Summer issue.
Gregory Harris/GQ

Gosling also told GQ that he thinks it's "funny" that some online snarkers complained of his casting, after some critics online said he was "too old" to play the role.

"This kind of clutching-your-pearls idea of, like, #notmyken. Like you ever thought about Ken before this?" he asked.

"But suddenly, it's like, 'No, we've cared about Ken this whole time.' No, you didn't. You never did ... 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."

Ryan Gosling as Ken in a scene from the movie "Barbie."
Warner Bros.

Addressing his personal life during the interview, Gosling said his family is his source of inspiration and his priority.

“I just lean on Eva," he said about his wife. "She knows what’s important, always. She just somehow knows. So if ever I’m in my head about it, I just ask her.”

Related Articles

MORE: Margot Robbie talks highly anticipated 'Barbie' movie in Vogue's summer issue

He also clarified to the outlet on the point in his life he realized he wanted to have a family with Mendes.

"It’s true that I wasn’t thinking about kids before I met her, but after I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he said. "And there were moments on 'The Place Beyond the Pines' where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore. I realized that this would be a life I would be really lucky to have.”

"Barbie" opens July 21.

Editor’s Picks

Margot Robbie talks highly anticipated 'Barbie' movie in Vogue's summer issue

  • May 24, 2023

1st single from 'Barbie' movie soundtrack out now: Watch Dua Lipa's music video here

  • May 26, 2023

See Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and more in 'Barbie' main trailer

  • May 25, 2023

Up Next in Culture—

Vanessa Hudgens expecting 2nd child with husband Cole Tucker

July 12, 2025

Princess Kate attends Wimbledon final following emotional health update

July 12, 2025

Allyson Felix shares favorite Team USA memory with Kobe Bryant ahead of Olympic Hall of Fame induction

July 11, 2025

Conner Smith charged with misdemeanor traffic offense after fatal car accident

July 11, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News