In a recent GQ magazine interview, Barbie star Ryan Gosling spoke out against Barbie fans who voiced their concern on social media about 42-year-old Gosling being too old for the role of Ken.  

Gosling noted that the movie features different actors for Ken and jokingly told unsatisfied fans that “there are many other Kens to play with.” Simu Liu (Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education), Scott Evans (Almost Love), and Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami…) play different iterations of Ken. 

He argued that the age criticism is exaggerated and dramatic. Gosling also jokingly compared the complaints to a “#notmyken” and “clutching-your-pearls” sentiment. 

But suddenly, it’s like, ‘No, we’ve cared about Ken this whole time.’ No, you didn’t. You never did. You never cared. Barbie never f–ked with Ken. That’s the point. If you ever really cared about Ken, you would know that nobody cared about Ken. So your hypocrisy is exposed. This is why his story must be told.

The actor explained that he needed to respond to the criticism because he feels protective of Ken as a character. 

I care about this dude now. I’m like his representative. Ken couldn’t show up to receive this award, so I’m here to accept it for him.

Barbie releases in theaters on July 21.