Ryan Gosling portrays the character Ken in Greta Gerwig’s film, alongside Margot Robbie as Barbie, as they navigate the profound experiences of the real world. In a heartfelt ballad titled “I’m Just Ken,” Gosling expresses his frustrations about being overshadowed by Barbie and reflects on his identity as “always No. 2.”
The teaser for the movie features multiple versions of Ken, played by Simu Liu and Ncuti Gatwa among others, following Gosling’s Ken while he performs the powerful song.
This song, “I’m Just Ken,” exemplifies the significant role that music plays in the upcoming Barbie film. Another track, “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa, accompanies a lively dance party scene and has already reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The film’s soundtrack has also produced a top 10 hit, “Barbie World,” featuring Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, and AQUA
Heard everyone was feelin’ the Ken-rgy ✨#BarbieTheMovie – only in theaters July 21. Tickets on sale now! pic.twitter.com/uOH6dBUhN7
— Barbie Movie (@barbiethemovie) July 10, 2023
In the clip, Ryan Gosling, in character as Ken, sings about living in Barbie’s shadow, expressing his emotional struggle with lyrics like “Doesn’t seem to matter what I do, I’m always number two.” Gosling has previously voiced the challenges faced by Ken in being overshadowed by Barbie, emphasizing the importance of telling his story.
Executive produced by Mark Ronson, Barbie The Album will showcase a range of artists including Lizzo, Fifty Fifty, Kaliii, Ava Max, Haim, Tame Impala, The Kid Laroi, Khalid, and Gayle. Surprise artist Billie Eilish also confirmed her participation in the soundtrack, collaborating with her brother FINNEAS on the song “What Was I Made For?“
This film marks another instance where Ryan Gosling merges his acting and musical talents. As a former child actor on Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Club in the early ’90s, alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake, Gosling has a background in music. Additionally, his performance in Damien Chazelle’s La La Land garnered him a second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2017.
