Nina Henderson
“I’m Just Ken” wasn’t always set up to be a huge part of the plot in the Barbie movie, and this would’ve made the plot and Ryan Gosling’s Ken worse.
Summary
- The original plan for Ken’s song in the Barbie movie would have weakened Ryan Gosling’s character and the overall film. The song’s inclusion in a bigger role, complete with key changes and iconic guitar riffs, enhanced the character’s development and added depth to the story.
- Ken’s character arc and emotional growth wouldn’t have been as satisfying without the larger role of “I’m Just Ken.” The song provided the necessary momentum and climactic boost for Ken to confront his insecurities and ultimately find a healthier self-image.
- “I’m Just Ken” serves as Ryan Gosling’s standout moment in the film, showcasing his vocal abilities and emotive performance. The song’s inclusion was so important that the entire Ken battle scene was built around it, allowing for a more direct and impactful integration of the song into the film.
The original plan for Barbie‘s “I’m Just Ken” song would have hurt Ryan Gosling’s character, and in turn, the movie itself. Ken, played by Gosling, is initially painted as a nothing-but-looks sidekick to Barbie. Upon his exposure to the real world, he learns about patriarchy and brings what he thinks its ideology is back to the other Kens. Playing on the idea of the Kens as “accessories” to Barbies, the Kens end up feuding when they don’t each win the sole attention and affection of their respective Barbies.
Without this feud, “I’m Just Ken” would be just another song. Not to mention, producer Mark Ronson shared the song was originally going to have a smaller role. When he first pitched it to writer-director Greta Gerwig, it wasn’t finished. It didn’t have the iconic key change, Slash’s guitar riffs, or the Foo Fighter’s Josh Freese on drums. Additionally, Ronson didn’t intend it to be a huge, choreographed fight-dance number in the movie, but perhaps just a song that plays on the soundtrack. However, this plan didn’t stick – and the
