Ryan Gosling Returns From Acting Hiatus To Play Ken In 'Barbie' Adaptation, Inspiring A Multitude Of Memes

Photos of actor Ryan Gosling as Ken in the upcoming Barbie film adaptation were posted online this morning, leading to a frenzied and funny reaction from many.

The film, which is based on the iconic toy line, will be directed by Lady Bird and Little Women director Greta Gerwig, who will co-write it with her partner Noah Baumbach. It will star Gosling and Margot Robbie in the title role.

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken in Greta Gerwig’s ‘BARBIE’.

The film releases on July 21, 2023 in theaters. pic.twitter.com/eNd0x85Fxj

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 15, 2022

As you might've expected, the pictures of a bleach-blonde Gosling inspired some thirst and hornyposting shortly after their debut.

Bottom Ken pic.twitter.com/aJabe893T7

— Cavill lover (@maxdalton40) June 15, 2022

I would let Ryan Gosling as Ken hurt my feelings

— super yaki (@SuperYakiShop) June 15, 2022

But they also inspired a series of memes joking about Gosling’s candy-colored and doll-like appearance.

With just 2 years of extensive gym training you can go from this to this.#Barbie pic.twitter.com/JufHSqhsKx

— Scott H (@Scottdiavolo) June 15, 2022

Everyone after seeing Ryan gosling as ken in Barbie pic.twitter.com/Pm9y83P42v

— H🤍 (@hdxqi) June 15, 2022

Ryan Gosling as the Santa Monica houses: pic.twitter.com/WrW1sNss65

— Americana at Brand Memes (@americanamemes) June 15, 2022

On the flip side, a number of people argued that Gosling as Ken was, actually, not hot.

how did they make ryan gosling look unattractive for a barbie movie? how is this possible… https://t.co/to97SngX3z

— ex dominican (@TAEGlJlNS) June 15, 2022

When i was a kid, i grew up watching a Ryan Gosling that inspired me to become a sigma male. Kids these days will watch him and become soy boy beta cucks on Love Island pic.twitter.com/laLjkKnKsx

— Advit (@rebelmooned) June 15, 2022

People on Twitter also started speculating immediately about the cultural impact that the film may have. Gerwig, an award-winning filmmaker who came out of the mumblecore film scene, is known for heady projects exploring the inner lives of women. Robbie, who plays Barbie, has already said about the movie, "Whatever you're thinking, we’re going to give you something totally different."

the barbie movie is gonna be the hot people's joker pic.twitter.com/yL4E4ewUvO

— pop culture (@notgwendalupe) June 15, 2022

There were also many predictions for how the plot of the film might turn out, though few details are known currently.

Ken before and after meeting Barbie pic.twitter.com/aPTCMLz0er

— FILM DAZE (@filmdaze) June 15, 2022

Barbie will be released in theaters on July 21st, 2023, so it will be more than a year before the world lays eyes on Ryan Gosling’s Ken in his finished form. The Barbie movie marks Gosling’s return from a long hiatus, as his last film came out in 2018.

ryan gosling is back… i don’t care if it’s for this, i’m just happy he’s back! https://t.co/6c59vcAlKi

— lawrence 🎥 (@lwrcefilms) June 15, 2022