Canadian actor Ryan Gosling is set to portray Ken (yes, as in the Ken doll) in the upcoming Barbie movie by Warner Bros. that’s based on the iconic toy series. According to Deadline, the actor is in the final negotiations.
While the two-time Oscar nominee reportedly passed on the role initially given his busy schedule, the studio’s persistence as well as an opening in his schedule following a delay in the show’s pre-production process led to him saying yes.
The film is set up at Warner Bros. and will be directed by actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig, who previously headed Lady Bird and Little Women.
Meanwhile, Margot Robbie of The Suicide Squad fame will take on the titular role of Barbie. Apart from playing her onscreen character, the two-time Academy Award nominee is slated to be a producer for the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment production company.
In case you’re wondering, it’s likely there’ll be unexpected slants to the doll’s story.
During an interview with British Vogue earlier this year, she revealed a little about her role, and how it’s not what we think it’s going to be like. She shared that the role “comes with a lot of baggage,” considering some historical controversy over the doll. “And a lot of nostalgic connections,” she continued. “But with that come a lot of exciting ways to attack it.”
“People generally hear ‘Barbie’ and think, ‘I know what that movie is going to be,’ and then they hear that Greta Gerwig is writing and directing it, and they’re like, ’Oh, well, maybe I don’t…’”
In a separate interview with Hollywood Reporter, she added “Now, can we truly honor the IP and the fan base and also surprise people? Because if we can do all that and provoke a thoughtful conversation, then we’re really firing on all cylinders,” she added.
Filming is expected to begin in 2022.