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The day Ryan Gosling became Ken
While Margot Robbie shines as a plastic doll in Barbie (2023), directed by Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling does not disappoint as Ken. In between his deep questioning of masculinity, he happily sings and dances to the delight of his fans. As the film will be airing on TF1 on September 14th, 2025, throwback to his spectacular and ultra fun performance.
par Violaine Schütz,
Published on 11 September 2025. Updated on 15 September 2025.
Airing on TF1 on September 14th, 2025, Barbie was one of the biggest successes of 2023. The resounding success of this live-action adaptation of the adventures of the world’s most famous doll owes much to the charm and talent of its lead actors.
Of course, there’s the flawless, moving performance of the formidable Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad). The Australian actress has a dreamy figure, blonde hair and a smile that fit the role perfectly. But it adds an extra touch of soul and mischief to this rather too perfect toy.
Ken’s revenge in the movie Barbie
But next to this Barbie life-size Barbie, another cult toy marketed since by Mattel has won over audiences on the big screen: Ken. Long neglected in favor of his girlfriend, the plastic man gets his revenge thanks to director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Doctor March’s Daughters) and, above all, Canadian actor Ryan Gosling who takes on the role of Barbie’s lover.
I’m Just Ken, the hit sung by Ryan Gosling
After turning down the role for the first time because of his busy schedule, the hero of La La Land and Blade Runner 2049, who is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors, plays the male doll to perfection (and with great humor). Muscles, blond hair, angelic bleu eyes… Ryan Gosling has all the makings of a dream Ken. But his performance is peppered with a hint of kitsch and a reflection on masculinity that propel him beyond the status of a mere accessory.
To convince yourself of this, listen to the brand new Ken The EP, which has just been released for the holidays, and includes four versions of the funny and effective track already heard in the film Barbie, I’m Just Ken… Alongside Mark Ronson (producing), Ryan Gosling reveals his vocal talent and his sense of interpretation, inhabited and very rock.
The cherry on the (neon pink) cake? The actor once again dons Ken’s costume and glasses to play the flamboyant crooner in a video that goes with the Christmas version of the hit I’m Just Ken (Merry Kristmas Barbie). A potential banger that could overshadow Mariah Carey’s and Brenda Lee’s ones…
Barbie (2023) by Greta Gerwig, will be airing on TF1 on September 14th, 2025.
