Ryan Gosling's "I'm Just Ken" performance in the "Barbie" movie almost did not make the cut if it were not for director Greta Gerwig, who fought hard to include it.
"I thought, 'God, I hope we don't ruin it,'" Mark Ronson recalled in an interview. At that first screening, the song wasn't working, so I panicked."
"The humor wasn't translating, and Greta had to fight. The studio asked her how much she really needed it, and she said, 'With every inch of my body.' And then there was a big swing."
As per the music producer, "I'm Just Ken" is pivotal in the Barbie film and was dedicated to "helping young boys."
Mark Ronson Almost Cut 'I'm Just Ken' From 'Barbie'
Ronson further explained that he thought the song and performance were too funny to be included in the movie.
"Ken is ridiculous. But Greta's point was that nobody should ever be laughing at a character," he continued. "We feel their pain, as crazy as that sounds about a guy wearing a white mink and two pairs of sunglasses. I never wanted to write a song for a cheap laugh. You want something to get under people's skin."
"I'm Just Ken" won Best Song at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards and was nominated for Best Song Writing for Visual Media at the Grammy Awards in February 2024.
It is up for nominations once again for an Oscar Award at the 96th Academy Awards.
"The song tells boys that it's OK to be runner-up. The internet's caused a level of isolation in boys and this idea of male camaraderie and sharing your feelings is a nice and unexpected thing to come out of it," Ronson explained the significance of "I'm Just Ken" in the film.
READ MORE: Mark Ronson Snags Oscar Nod For 'I'm Just Ken' But Fans Aren't Pleased After 'Barbie' Snub
Ryan Gosling Performs 'I'm Just Ken' at 2024 Oscars
Gosling's "Barbie" co-star, Margot Robbie, revealed that the actor did not hesitate to perform the hit song at the Oscars.
"He jumped at this," the actress said. "He's going to crush it. I'm so excited. I think he's going to be the highlight of the whole night. I think a lot of people are going to be tuning in for this specific performance."
Meanwhile, netizens are not keen to hear "I'm Just Ken" live or in the movie.
"They were so close to making the movie perfect by removing that scene and that song,' one wrote.
"Oh, I speak for us all when I say we wish it was cut."
"It definitely belonged in the movie but I will still die on the hill that "What Was I Made For?" is far better!" Another added.
READ ALSO: 2024 Oscars Performances: Ryan Gosling, Billie Eilish, More Academy Awards Performers
