Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar hit, Barbie, featured a number of prominent names from Hollywood portraying Barbies and Kens, with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling leading the pack. The La La Land actor, with two Academy Award nominations to his name, played the role of Ken to perfection in a film that predominantly celebrates female characters.
However, a recent incident has hinted at potential tensions between Gosling and one of his Barbie co-stars, Simu Liu. Unlike The Nice Guys actor, Liu had to audition for his role but managed to impress Gerwig, particularly with his experience from his university hip-hop dance team days.
Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu Had An Awkward Encounter
Simu Liu had nothing but praise for Ryan Gosling when discussing their experience working together. The Shang-Chi actor described Gosling as an “incredibly talented performer”. However, a recent video captured a moment of apparent awkwardness between the two during a press event for Barbie in Canada in June.
The Kim’s Convenience actor tried to casually place his hand around Gosling’s waist when posing for photographs on the red carpet. However, the Blade Runner 2049 actor was less receptive to this gesture, audibly telling Simu Liu, “Don’t hold me there, man. I mean do you want me to touch you like that?”.
Liu was taken aback but quickly responded with, “You don’t what – oh, it’s too tender? Fair enough,” retracting his arm from Gosling’s waist. This exchange between the actors swiftly caught the attention of fans and onlookers, igniting discussions about the nature of their interaction.
Are There Unresolved Issues or Is The Whole Rivalry Fake?
Rumors of an alleged feud between Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu surfaced among netizens in the wake of this incident. However, Liu shut down such rumors by posting a photo of himself and Gosling together, with the caption “The Ken-ergy was strong in Toronto!!”
While some viewers interpret the moment as a mere awkward encounter, another speculation among fans is that both actors could have been embodying their distinct Ken characters from the film. They might have aimed to bring the Ken rivalry to the red carpet. While the exact context of their exchange remains elusive, the Drive actor’s unconventional establishment of boundaries with the One True Loves actor undeniably prompted discussions.
In an interview with Men’s Health, the Blood and Water actor further praised Gosling, calling him a “natural improviser”. Liu described working with The Grey Man actor as both exciting and scary at the same time. Both actors delivered brilliant performances in a film that is swiftly becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Source: The Things
