Actor Ryan Gosling has hit back at naysayers who claimed he is too old to play Ken in the upcoming Barbie movie. Gosling defended himself by pointing out that age is just a number in the toy world. The 40-year-old actor, who bears a striking resemblance to the plastic toy, brushed off comments from haters and instead focused on the fact that he's got the look down pat.
"I was born to play this role," Gosling proclaimed in an interview with The Wibble. "I've spent countless hours in front of the mirror perfecting my Ken face, and I've got the hair and the abs to match."
Despite Gosling's confidence, some critics are convinced that it's time for Ken to retire. Taking to social media, users have voiced their concerns that the doll duo is outdated, and that children would be better served with more diverse toy options. Gosling, who is known for his progressive views, addressed these criticisms by saying that he "wholeheartedly supports inclusivity in the industry," but that it's "also important to honor the iconic history of these toys."
Gosling isn't the only one who's standing by the Barbie and Ken toy line. Other celebrities, including Zac Efron and Jennifer Aniston, have lent their voices to the fray, stating that the dolls deserve a place in the modern era. Aniston remarked that "Barbie and Ken are timeless."
While the controversy rages on, fans of Gosling and the iconic toys will no doubt eagerly await the release of the Barbie movie, set to hit theaters in 2022. And who knows? Maybe Gosling will bring a fresh twist to the character of Ken, inspiring a whole new generation of fans.