To say we’re ready for Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is an understatement. Margot Robbie looks stunning as the film’s protagonist, and Gerwig’s Lady Bird and Little Women were Oscar-nominated masterpieces. But on Wednesday, Warner Brothers released the first look at Ryan Gosling as Ken. And there is full camp, full scaring. We’re not sure how Mattel will feel about this.
With his platinum blonde locks, light-wash denim vest and Calvin Klein-inspired underwear peeking over his low-rise jeans, we’re already lined up for therapy appointments for the nightmares it’s sure to bring us.
The La La Land homeboy looks like one of those creepy, older West Hollywood men who still think they’re in their 20s. The guy who pretends to know Megan Thee Stallion’s lyrics to hit on people half her age. (Remember the Steve Buscemi meme? “How are you fellow kids?” There is.)
Maybe it’s his cocked grin. Or his tanned abs. Or those pesky boxers labeled “Ken.” But honestly, it’s probably because of the blonde hair: it’s just that bad.
Given the genius that Gerwig is, maybe that’s the point. Perhaps, ironically, it’s meant to flinch. Maybe it’ll be a film that pokes fun at the superficial, plastic stupidity of it all.
Robbie previously told British Vogue that the film won’t be what people expect: “People generally hear Barbie and think, ‘I know what this film is going to be’, and then they hear Greta Gerwig writing and directing the screenplay They’re like, ‘Oh, well, maybe I didn’t…’” So we have some hope.
The upcoming movie boasts a star cast including Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, Barbie Ferrera, Simu Liu, Issa Rae and Michael Cera. The film hits theaters on July 23, 2023.