Personally, I'm really excited to see Ryan's portrayal of Ken in Barbie. I think he's a really fun choice for the role and I have no doubts that he'll do a good job. That being said, it's been interesting to see a male actor face such loud agist criticism over a role when this level of public outrage is so often reserved for aging female performers.
I'm curious, what do you think it is about this role in particular that's riled people up? Do you think it's because Ken is such a classic "character" that has been around for so long and means so much to so many people? Or do you think it's because the doll's age has always been a bit ambiguous and we've projected our own opinions onto it over time? I'd love to know your thoughts!
https://variety.com/2023/film/news/ryan-gosling-barbie-critics-too-old-k...
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I think it's the perfect example of outrage culture rearing it's head! I personally can't wait to see his performance.
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I don't see an issue with Ryan's age, Ashley Renee Smith. All that matters is if he can play the part well and from the promo, it looks like he does.
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How old is Ken supposed to be?
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This is so weird to me. There has always been a subset of fandoms that is toxic, who don't want classic characters like superheroes changed or don't like the "politicization" (their word, not mine) of certain franchises, but I thought that was more of a problem in traditional fantasy/sci-fi. Who are these people who have such a strong opinion on Ken that they are angry about casting?
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Leonardo Ramirez- when Barbie and Ken were first created, they were meant to be teenagers. Most people don't realize it but the babies that were later sold with Barbie were meant to be her younger siblings to dissuade the idea that she could be an unwed or young mother. However, they would rarely market that one way or another because they knew there was value in children using their imaginations and making up their own stories. Over time, Barbie and Ken's ages and situations became more and more ambiguous. I only know as much as I do because my mom was a collector my whole life, but I'm far from an expert.
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David Abrookin, I completely agree, it's ridiculous.
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Ashley Renee Smith Ok thanks for the clarification. I agree with David Abrookin and think the toxic backlash is silly.
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Ashley Renee Smith perhaps those ageist reactionaries have a long cherished Ken and Barbie fetish?
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I agree Maurice Vaughan he’s absolutely nailed it!
https://youtu.be/pBk4NYhWNMM
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Thanks for the link, Geoff Hall. I've seen promo but not the trailer. I was worried there wasn't gonna be much plot in the movie, but after watching the trailer, I think there will be.
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I can't wait to watch it!
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I'm honestly so excited for the movie. The trailer is so fun.
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I think Gosling looks great in the trailer and seems perfect for the role. But he is 10 years older that Robbie. I don't think 10 years is that big of a difference, maybe some people do?
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Greta Gerwig directed - I can't wait - I think it will be great.
They both look old in their gray wigs