Ken: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Misunderstood Doll
The highly anticipated movie “Barbie” is set to be a summer hit. This film has successfully reimagined the cultural persona of its blonde lead, making Barbie resonate with a new generation, a full six decades after her initial introduction in toy stores. Yet, the film’s tagline seems to relegate Ken, Barbie’s devoted partner with the sculpted abs, to a secondary role. The tagline, “She’s everything. He’s just Ken,” immediately casts Ken as a simple plastic figure, eclipsed by Barbie.
As “Barbie” collaborations are underway and movie enthusiasts rush to secure tickets, Ken’s influence is limited to the realm of memes. Even outside the cinematic universe, Ken continues to exist in Barbie’s shadow. It’s worth noting that Warner Bros., the powerhouse behind “Barbie,” is a subsidiary of the larger Warner Bros. company.
Who is Ken Beyond Being Barbie’s Accessory?
Let’s delve into the history of Barbie’s male counterpart, from his beginnings as Kenneth Carson to his turbulent breakup with Barbie in the mid-2000s, and his rebirth on the big screen, embodied by Ryan Gosling.
Ken’s Debut and Evolution
Kenneth Carson, more commonly known as Ken, made his debut two years following Barbie’s introduction in 1959. He was marketed as Barbie’s boyfriend, ready to be added to any Barbie collection. Ken was initially available in two distinct styles. One version sported blond hair, while the other showcased brunette locks, both crafted from hard plastic. Ken’s attire was minimalistic, consisting of very short red swim trunks. With a price tag of $3.50, Ken was an affordable addition. Intriguingly, Ken shares his first name with the son of Ruth Handler, the creative mind behind Barbie.
Ken’s Fashion Journey
Despite having a fashion-forward companion like Barbie, Ken could never quite master personal style, though he certainly tried. He debuted a variety of looks that could only have worked in their respective decades, and even then, he couldn’t always pull them off.
Ken’s Identity Crisis and Reinvention
Ken had long been the subject of jokes by those who made assumptions about the doll’s sexuality or masculinity based on his wardrobe and relationship to Barbie. In 1993, the doll leaned into the discourse surrounding him by accident with a new, “hipper” look — Earring Magic Ken.
Barbie and Ken’s Breakup
It was the celebrity break-up no one saw coming, except maybe toy industry prognosticators. Barbie and Ken had been together for over 40 years, after all — they’d remained in love even as they moved in and out of dream houses, drove dozens of convertibles and changed careers countless times.
Ken’s Transformation and Reunion with Barbie
Desperate to win Barbie back, Ken did some soul-searching. The New York Times reported that the doll trekked across Europe and the Middle East and explored Buddhism and Catholicism to reinvent himself. Upon his return to the US, he dropped the spiritualism and retrained his focus on fashion, turning to celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch for style guidance.
Ken’s Role in ‘Toy Story 3’
The dolls, Barbie and Ken, shared the spotlight with Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the highly praised Pixar sequel. This film earned a nomination for the best picture at the Oscars. The animated versions of Barbie and Ken sported outfits reminiscent of the ’70s and ’80s. Barbie was decked out in an aerobics unitard and leg warmers, while Ken flaunted an ascot. The voice behind Ken was none other than Michael Keaton.
Ken’s Diversity Evolution
The days of Ken as a White, typically blond doll ended in 2017, when Mattel finally rolled out an inclusive line of Kens in a variety of skin colors, hairstyles and body types. Two even sported man buns!
Ken’s Portrayal by Ryan Gosling
Recently, Warner Bros. Pictures’ Twitter account posted a photo that catapulted Ken’s popularity. The image showcased Ryan Gosling, bleach-blond and spray-tanned. He sported a sleeveless denim vest, grinning broadly. Gosling was the chosen one to bring the toy hunk to life in the forthcoming “Barbie” movie, under Greta Gerwig’s direction. This sneak peek was the fans’ first look at the live-action version of Ken.
Ken’s Journey and Future
Long story short, Ken’s journey from being a misunderstood doll to a celebrated character in a blockbuster film is a testament to his enduring appeal. With Ryan Gosling’s portrayal bringing a new depth to the character, Ken’s story is far from over. As audiences continue to engage with his character, a sequel featuring Ken as the main character seems more than likely.
