Ryan Gosling’s Oscars 2024 Performance Made Us Even More Desperate For A Ken Spinoff

“I’m Just Ken” is one of the most viral parts of Barbie, and Ryan Gosling’s Oscars performance of the song has us even more desperate for a Ken spinoff. Barbie became a cultural phenomenon upon its release, topping the list of the highest-grossing movies of 2023. There’s a lot to love about Greta Gerwig’s take on the Mattel doll, and Margot Robbie gives an iconic performance in the lead role. Gosling also shines as Ken, and his Barbie ballad is easily the catchiest song from the entire film. That’s why it made such a great choice for the 2024 Oscars ceremony.

Gosling’s live performance brought back several Ken actors from the Barbie movie, and it also incorporated Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. It was a highlight of the ceremony, even if it didn’t fully make up for Barbie‘s Oscars snubs. And seeing Gosling back in action had another effect: it left Barbie fans wanting more from Gerwig’s world and Gosling’s character.

Ryan Gosling’s Oscars Performance Reminded Us Why We Love “I’m Just Ken”

Gosling’s Oscars performance livened up the awards ceremony, but it also served as a reminder of what made the song — and the Barbie movie — so great. The actor’s “kenergy” was at an all-time high while on-stage. Seeing him step back into his Ken persona only proved he was the best choice for the role once again, eight months after the film debuted. Gosling’s passion was palpable, and it’s clear he’d bring that to anything involving Barbie and his character.

The Oscars’ “I’m Just Ken” performance also demonstrated that Gosling still has chemistry with the cast of Barbie, from the other Kens to Margot Robbie. The latter looked incredibly amused by his sudden appearance behind her while singing the song. It was a reminder of why they meshed so well in the 2023 film, and it no doubt left many viewers wanting more of them (and Barbie in general).

The 2024 Oscars Made Us Even More Desperate For A Barbie Spinoff About Ken

It’s fitting that the 2024 Oscars ceremony reminded viewers of what made one of 2023’s biggest films so great. However, it also made a Barbie spinoff about Ken seem that much more appealing. Even though Barbie covered the storyline that would make a Ken movie work, Gosling could carry a film centered on his character and his peers. There are still questions to answer about the world of Barbie, as well as the Kens’ fates after the events of the film. Gosling would clearly get moviegoers back to theaters, so his Barbie spinoff really needs to happen. Perhaps another “I’m Just Ken”-level hit will accompany it.