Ryan Gosling Begged to Include His Ken Dance in Barbie Because of His ‘Embarrassing’ Job When He Was Only 8 Years Old
Margot Robbie wanted to bring the iconic Barbie doll to life on the big screen, but she knew she needed the perfect partner to embody Ken. When she approached acclaimed director Greta Gerwig to helm the film, Gerwig knew just who to call – Ryan Gosling. Though known primarily for his serious dramatic work, Gosling jumped at the chance to tap into his comedic side for the role. However, it was a childhood insecurity that fueled the actor’s insistence on showcasing his dance skills in the film.
Why Did Ryan Gosling Beg to Dance in Barbie?
As per The Hollywood Reporter, at just 8 years old, young Ryan Gosling took on a gig performing at weddings to help support his family. Though it led to bigger opportunities, Gosling was embarrassed about his childhood job as an entertainer. When presented with the chance to play Ken in Barbie, the actor saw it as an opportunity to honor his younger self.
According to Gosling, “That kid worked really hard to get me where I am today, and I thought I could let him retire. It’s funny, because for a long time I was embarrassed of him, but what moved me most about this script is how it kind of encourages you to be a little kinder to your younger self. I felt I owed that kid one last dance.”
Though he had shown off his dance skills in La La Land, Gosling initially felt intimidated to take on the infectious track ‘I’m Just Ken.’ After pushing through his discomfort, the actor says he realized “It wasn’t me singing the song, it was Ken. I felt like Ken rode in on his tiny horse and sang it with me.”
How Did Ryan Gosling’s Passion Elevate the Film?
Gosling’s assertion paid off, as his show-stopping Ken became a highlight of the film. According to composer Mark Ronson, seeing Gosling’s role influenced the song’s upbeat production.
Gosling also pushed for Ken’s acoustic cover of “Push” by Matchbox Twenty to be included on the soundtrack, despite it originally being meant just for the film. He even headed back into the studio to record additional production elements to make the song “feel like this character’s favorite song in the world.”
The actor’s passion for dance elevated the overall tone and fun of the film. Margot Robbie raved that Gosling “completely got it” when he arrived on the larger-than-life Barbie set. America Ferrera also cited watching Gosling rehearse the choreography as one of her favorite memories from the set.
In the end, Gerwig’s gamble to cast Gosling paid off, as he brought heart and humor to the pivotal role of Ken. His insistence on highlighting dance showcased his commitment to honoring the hard work of his younger self. For Gosling, Barbie provided closure with his childhood in the best way possible – by proudly dancing in Ken’s shoes.
