Fans Think Someone Else Should Have Been Cast As Ken In Barbie

On Wednesday (15 June) fans got a first glimpse of Ryan Gosling as Ken in the new Barbie movie.

In the first look photo, Gosling has had a serious Ken makeover, with bleach blonde hair, a glowing – and slightly orange – tan and a sleeveless denim jacket showing off Ken-doll abs beneath.

Posing next to a bright Barbie-pink pillar, Gosling is also wearing light wash denim jeans with 'Ken' scribed underwear slightly on show.

Ever since the image was shared, fans have been voicing their opinions on Gosling's new look - and some aren't mega impressed.

Many have taken to social media adamant that a younger actor should have been cast in the role. One person wrote: "Wrong casting. It needed younger actors!"

While another said: "Quite old for the role tbh."

And a third added: "Why is a 40 year old playing Ken? Weren’t Barbie and Ken supposed to be like in their twenties?"

Others believe Zac Efron could have been a better fit, with one adding: "I’m sorry, I love Ryan Gosling as much as the next girl. But Zac Efron has been living his life as a Ken doll since his Troy Bolton days. The man CRIED when he got to eat carbs for the first time in 6 years. That’s my Ken."

And another added: "I think @zacefron would have been a better fit."

Others totally disagreed however, with another adding: "Ryan Gosling as Ken in #Barbie is actually perfect."

And a second said: "Why is everyone hating on ryan gosling as ken?!?! He's perfect!!"

"I don’t care what y’all say. Ryan Gosling is the perfect fit for the Ken role. That’s Barbie’s dreamy boyfriend. Period," added a third.

And a fourth wrote: "Margot Robbie & Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken has me in TEARS!! Like are you kidding me, so iconic. So perfect. I love."

Back in April, Warner Bros. released a first look snap of Margot Robbie as Barbie. In the photo, Margot can be seen sitting in her Barbie-pink convertible dressed all in blue.

The Australian actor is set to play the lead role in the upcoming movie, which is directed by Greta Gerwig. Gosling and Robbie will star alongside Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Alexandra Shipp, America Ferrera and Ncuti Gatwa.

The movie is set for release on 21 July 2023 and an IMDb synopsis explains: "A doll living in 'Barbieland' is expelled for not being perfect enough and sets off on an adventure in the real world. A live-action feature film based on the popular line of Barbie toys."