Ryan Gosling demanding huge paycheck for ‘Barbie’ sequel as ‘Ken’s value has skyrocketed’, claims insider
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ryan Gosling is demanding a higher paycheck after the stupendous success of ‘Barbie’.
According to a source close to the 43-year-old actor, following the blockbuster box office success of ‘Barbie’ last year, Gosling has come to realize the importance of his character Ken in the Mattel movie.
Now that there are talks about a sequel, the ‘La La Land’ star’s paycheck demand has reportedly skyrocketed.
Ryan Gosling wants fatter paycheck for 'Barbie' sequel
Recently, an insider dished to Life & Style that Ryan Gosling has hiked his salary to reprise the role of Ken in the ‘Barbie’ sequel.
“Ryan understands just how integral Ken became to the film’s popularity,” explained the source.
Commenting on the cultural phenomenon that ‘Barbie’ became upon its release - also partly due to Ken’s allure - the source shared, “He knows the impact he had on audiences and is making it clear the sequel won’t be the same without him.”
According to the outlet, both ‘The Fall Guy’ actor and his co-star Margot Robbie drew a hefty sum of $12.5 million each for the Greta Gerwig directorial. For the sequel, even Robbie has allegedly hiked her fee to $50 million.
The insider reflected on the high salary demands of the star, stating, “The sequel hinges on these high stakes discussions.”
“One thing is clear — Ken’s value has skyrocketed!” they noted.
The actor, who summoned an entire fandom by performing 'I'm Just Ken' at the Oscars, also sounded excited when his character was recognized at the Golden Globes.
After learning that he was nominated for the Golden Globe for his energetic performance, Gosling said in a statement, as reported by W Magazine, “It’s an honor to have your work acknowledged, but for Ken, this is the first time he’s been acknowledged, for anything, EVER!”
He continued, “And to have it be for supporting Barbie, there is no greater honor. So thanks to the Golden Globes, Ken, whose job definitely isn’t 'surf,' has been shredding one giant wave of emotions since he heard the news.”
Greta Gerwig reflects on making movie on Ken
While the speculation surrounding a ‘Barbie’ sequel is currently raging, Greta Gerwig has not dismissed the idea of making a standalone movie on Ken.
As the ‘Little Women’ director appeared on ‘60 Minutes’ in August, correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi asked Gerwig if “there ever was a Ken movie", per New York Post.
The director replied that since she and her partner - both in personal life and professionally - Noah Baumbach have accumulated so much material on Ken, it is not out of question.
Gerwig replied with a smile, “I mean, the truth is, you know — I guess we’ll see.”
The 41-year-old filmmaker continued, “We had way too much material for Ken. We would write, and write, and write,” before Baumbach warned her not to “give it away".
