The blockbuster Barbie movie has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its whimsical portrayal of Barbieland and the characters’ journey of self-discovery. While the film delves into the existential questions of Barbie and Ken, one question remains playfully unanswered: how old are they? The movie cleverly avoids specifying the ages of its titular characters, leaving fans to ponder the timeless nature of these beloved icons. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Barbie’s age, from her original conception to her portrayal in the hit movie.
The Original Barbie Doll’s Intended Age
The iconic Barbie doll first graced the American International Toy Fair in New York City on March 9, 1959, marking the beginning of her reign as a cultural phenomenon. Conceived by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Barbie was envisioned as a 19-year-old young woman. Interestingly, she was named after Handler’s own daughter, Barbara, who was 18 years old at the time. From a historical standpoint, the Barbie doll is now 64 years old in 2023. If Barbie were to age in real-time, she would be around 83 years old this year. However, Mattel, the toy company behind Barbie, has officially declared that Barbie remains perpetually 19 years old, frozen in time as a vibrant young adult.
Despite her unchanging youthful appearance, Barbie has an incredibly rich and diverse resume. According to Barbie Media, she has explored over 250 different careers, showcasing her boundless potential and inspiring generations of young girls. From astronaut to surgeon, computer scientist to president, pilot to dentist, Barbie has conquered a vast spectrum of professions. Many of these roles require extensive education and years of experience, highlighting the fantastical and aspirational nature of Barbie’s world. Her career diversity serves as a powerful message, encouraging young women to dream big and pursue their passions without limits. Even as decades pass, Barbie’s allure and relevance remain as strong as ever.
Barbie and Ken’s Agelessness in the Barbie Movie
In the Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, the ages of Barbie and Ken are never explicitly stated. The film primarily unfolds in Barbieland, a fantastical realm described by Will Ferrell’s Mattel CEO character as being like “a town in Sweden” – more of an abstract concept than a concrete place in reality. Barbieland allows for countless iterations of Barbie and Ken to coexist, each embodying different facets of the iconic dolls. These dolls represent aspirational ideals, existing outside the constraints of the real world, yet they exert a profound influence on it. The movie shows how the real world can impact Barbieland, as seen with Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie, who represents the imperfections and customizations real children inflict on their dolls. As the real world encroaches upon Barbieland, Stereotypical Barbie begins to grapple with complex human concepts, including mortality.
Within the ethereal boundaries of Barbieland, Barbie and Ken are essentially ageless. They exist in a state of perpetual idyllic bliss, waking up each day to a flawless, dreamlike existence. They are embodiments of perfection, designed to inspire aspirations in people in the real world. Barbie’s core purpose is to encourage individuals to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential. Barbieland itself is an idealized version of life, where everything is perpetually perfect, and every day is the best day ever. However, Stereotypical Barbie’s pivotal decision at the movie’s end to leave Barbieland and become human signifies a relinquishing of her immortality. This choice allows her to experience the full spectrum of human existence, embracing both its joys and its inevitable end, transforming her from an ideal into a fully realized being.
The Real Ages of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Barbie
When production for the Barbie movie commenced, Margot Robbie was 31 years old, later celebrating her 32nd birthday on set with a pink Barbie-themed cake, as reported by People. Ryan Gosling was 41 years old during the filming period. Filming took place at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden Studios in England and the Venice Beach Skate Park in Los Angeles, beginning in March 2022 and concluding in July 2022. The movie premiered theatrically on July 21, 2023. By this time, Margot Robbie was 33, and Ryan Gosling was 42. It’s interesting to note the age difference between the actors and the ageless characters they portray, further emphasizing the movie’s exploration of fantasy versus reality.
Age Irrelevance and Ken’s Journey in Barbie
Barbie: Ken in his furs and sunglasses
The casting of Ryan Gosling as Ken, Barbie’s “perfect” boyfriend, initially drew some criticism, primarily focusing on his age. Despite his Ken-like transformation with bleach-blonde hair, spray tan, and sculpted physique, some viewers questioned his suitability, given that he was 41 when filming began. The ten-year age gap between Gosling and Robbie was also highlighted. However, within the context of the film, these age concerns become largely irrelevant. Barbie and Ken, as inhabitants of Barbieland, exist outside the normal constraints of time, making the actors’ actual ages inconsequential to their roles.
In a GQ Magazine interview, Gosling addressed the age-related criticism, cleverly turning the argument on its head:
“But suddenly, it’s like, ‘No, we’ve cared about Ken this whole time.’ No, you didn’t. You never did… 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.”
Ken’s narrative arc in the movie centers around his quest for self-discovery and establishing an identity beyond being “Barbie’s boyfriend.” By the movie’s conclusion, Ken achieves a sense of individuality and agency, separate from Barbie. Unlike Barbie, Ken chooses to remain in the timeless Barbieland. Gosling’s performance beautifully captures Ken’s emotional evolution, delivering both comedic moments and musical flair. Ultimately, the fact that Barbie and Ken are conceptual figures transcends the actors’ ages, making Gosling’s portrayal of the ageless Ken truly perfect. Barbie brilliantly demonstrates that in its fantastical realm, age is indeed just a number.
Sources: Barbie Media, People, GQ Magazine
