Warner Bros has released a first look at Ryan Gosling as Ken in Barbie – and fans aren’t sure what to think.
In the upcoming film, directed by Greta Gerwig (formerly of Ladybird and Little Women), Gosling will play iconic, fashionable doll Ken.
Gosling is joined in the film by Margot Robbie, America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Saoirse Ronan and Will Ferrell.
A photo showing the actor’s new look as Ken was released by the studio on Wednesday (June 15).
In it, the La La Land star sports bleached blonde hair, a spray tan and six-pack abs.
Fans are divided over the photo, with many commenting that the 41-year-old actor is too old to play the iconic doll. Robbie – who portrays Barbie – is 31.
“I love Ryan Gosling, but 40-year-old Ken is crazy. I’m sorry,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another added, “Extremely moved that ‘Ken’ (Ryan Gosling) is 41 years old in the Barbie movie.”
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“Ryan Gosling is 41 years old. He doesn’t have to play Ken please,” said another.
Others have defended the casting, with one person saying: “People are so quick to judge with a photo of Ryan Gosling as Ken. Have you seen the whole film?”
“Ryan Gosling is practically perfect as Ken in Barbie,” added a second fan.
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The photo comes nearly two months after Warner Bros released the first images of Robbie in costume as Barbie, which many people have hailed as the “perfect” casting.
Gosling reportedly plays one of several kens in the film, while Shang Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings star Simu Liu plays another.
Barbie is slated to hit theaters on July 21, 2023.