Mark Ronson has revealed that he was inspired by Ryan Gosling’s performance as Ken in the upcoming Barbie movie to write a song for the film’s soundtrack. The seven-time Grammy winner connected with the character played by Gosling, describing him as “hapless” but “immediately sympathetic”. 

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Ronson said that the lyric “I’m just Ken / Anywhere else I’d be a 10” came to him instantly. The line’s “emo” feel inspired him further. Gosling, who heard the song on a demo and was invited to sing it by Ronson, was eager to perform the song on film. The Ken ballad has now become a crucial part of the movie.