In a 2023 twist that no one saw coming, Ryan Gosling is now a chart-topping musician as Barbie’s lover Ken.
The 42-year-old Drive actor is living his best pink life after his soundtrack smash, I’m Just Ken, charted following the film’s July 21 release.
On the same day, Greta Gerwig’s instant classic Barbie, based on the famous Mattel doll of the same name, and Christopher Nolan’s brutal World War II thriller Oppenheimer were released in theatres.
The Notebook actor has earned a lot of acclaim for his depiction of Ken, which he has taken extremely seriously.
He even developed the term “Kenergy” to represent the mysterious power that surrounds Barbie’s somewhat sad beau. He joked that it’s similar to WiFi and may possibly be influencing the bees.
Ryan has taken the part so seriously that he even sang a song on the soundtrack alongside Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Dua Lipa.
And now – get this – it has entered the top 40 music charts. Hurrah!
According to the Official Charts Company, the soundtrack for the Barbie movie has taken over the UK singles charts by surpassing previous records.
Barbie: The Album, the soundtrack of the humorous, pretty-in-pink Barbieland adventure, has become the first film soundtrack to have three top five songs at the same time.
Billie’s introspective What Was I Made For? is now at number three, Dua’s bouncy Dance The Night is at number four, and Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice are at number five for their contribution to the Barbie soundtrack.
Disney’s Encanto became the first animated film soundtrack to have three top ten singles in the same year, with We Don’t Talk About Bruno, Surface Pressure, and The Family Madrigal.
Speed Drive by Charli XCX, Pink by Lizzo, and Ryan’s high-drama, poignant ballad all in the top 40.
In other news, Dave and Central Cee’s Sprinter is in its ninth week at the top of the charts, with Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire close behind at number two.
Following their Wembley stadium performances this month, Blur achieved their eighth UK number one album with The Ballad Of Darren.
Overall, it hasn’t been a horrible month for music, film, and, well, Ryan Gosling.