Barbie Director Greta Gerwig and Star Ryan Gosling Talk Ken Clendenin

By Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Barbie director Greta Gerwig and star Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken Clendenin, recently sat down with the Los Angeles Times to discuss their upcoming film. The live-action adaptation of the iconic doll franchise stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Gosling as Ken. Gerwig, who also wrote the screenplay, said she was drawn to the project because she saw it as an opportunity to explore the complex world of female identity.

Gosling on Nearly Turning Down Ken

Gosling initially hesitated to take on the role of Ken, but he was eventually won over by Gerwig's vision for the character. "I was a little bit nervous about playing Ken," Gosling said. "But Greta had a really clear idea of what she wanted to do with the character, and I was really excited to be a part of it."

Gerwig said she wanted to create a Ken who was "more than just a pretty face." "I wanted to create a Ken who was complex and flawed, and who had his own journey to go on," she said.

Singing Live at the Oscars

Gosling also revealed that he nearly sang live at the Oscars. He was nominated for Best Actor for his role in La La Land, but he lost to Casey Affleck. "I had actually prepared a song to sing if I won," Gosling said. "But I'm glad I didn't have to sing it because I would have been terrible."

Wanting a Beach-Off Over Barbie Snubs

Gosling also said he would love to have a beach-off with Tom Hanks over the Barbie snubs. Hanks was nominated for Best Actor for his role in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, but he lost to Rami Malek. "I think Tom Hanks and I should have a beach-off to see who can get the most Barbie nominations," Gosling said. "I'm confident I would win."