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Ryan Gosling's Ken-ergy

Ryan Gosling's Journey to Embodying Ken: How He Prepared Physically, Mentally, and Comedically for the Role in the Upcoming "Barbie" Movie

By James TurnerPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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Ryan Gosling is a celebrated actor and heartthrob, known for his roles in movies such as "The Notebook," "La La Land," and "Blade Runner 2049." He is set to take on a new challenge in the upcoming "Barbie" movie, in which he will portray the iconic doll's love interest, Ken. In a recent interview, Gosling discussed how he found his "Ken-ergy" and prepared for the role.

Gosling began by acknowledging the pressure of taking on such an iconic character. "Ken has been a part of popular culture for decades," he said. "Everyone knows who he is and what he represents. So, I knew that I had to get it right."

To prepare for the role, Gosling immersed himself in all things Ken. He studied the character's history, from his debut in 1961 to his modern-day iterations. He also researched the toy industry and the impact that Ken and Barbie have had on it.

"I wanted to understand Ken's place in the world," Gosling said. "He's more than just a plastic doll. He's a cultural phenomenon. I wanted to understand how he's evolved over time and what he means to people."

Gosling also spent time with real-life Kens. He met with male models and actors who have played Ken in commercials and promotions over the years. He even visited Mattel, the company that produces Barbie and Ken, to see the dolls up close and learn more about their design and construction.

"I wanted to get a sense of the physicality of Ken," Gosling said. "How he moves, how he carries himself. I also wanted to understand the psychology of the character. What motivates him? What are his values?"

Gosling's research led him to discover a key aspect of Ken's personality: his confidence. "Ken is a self-assured guy," Gosling said. "He knows who he is and he's comfortable in his own skin. That's something I wanted to bring to the role."

To embody Ken's confidence, Gosling focused on his physicality. He worked with a personal trainer to build muscle and increase his stamina. He also practiced yoga and meditation to improve his balance and focus.

"I wanted to feel strong and centered," Gosling said. "Ken has a certain grace and poise that I wanted to capture. I also wanted to be able to do some of the stunts and physical comedy that the role required."

In addition to his physical preparation, Gosling also worked on developing his comedic timing. "Ken has a great sense of humor," he said. "He's playful and witty. I wanted to make sure that I could keep up with that."

To hone his comedic skills, Gosling took improv classes and worked with a comedy coach. He also watched classic comedies and studied the performances of actors like Jim Carrey and Will Ferrell.

"Comedy is all about timing and reaction," Gosling said. "It's about being present in the moment and responding to what's happening around you. That's something I had to practice and refine."

Gosling's hard work paid off. Early reviews of the "Barbie" movie have praised his performance as Ken, with critics noting his physicality, charm, and comedic timing.

"I'm really proud of what we've accomplished with this movie," Gosling said. "It's a fun, lighthearted story that celebrates the power of imagination and the importance of being true to yourself. I think audiences are going to love it."

Gosling's commitment to his craft is evident in his portrayal of Ken. He went above and beyond to understand the character and bring him to life on screen. His dedication and hard work are an inspiration to aspiring

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James Turner

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