10 Queer Actors Who Could Play Ken in Upcoming 'Barbie' Movie

Not since Paradise Island, the homeland of Wonder Woman, have we seen so much female power displayed in one community than we did in the "Barbie" trailer that dropped earlier this month. It is a "Barbie World," as the song goes, and Margot Robbie who plays the titular character seems to treat Ken (Ryan Gosling) as just another accessory rather than the licensed boyfriend we all grew up with.

In the hilarious trailer (and by the several cast photos that were recently announced), it's clear that in this Barbie World, there are several versions of Barbie and Ken. That got us thinking about queer actors who could take on the role. These are thespians who are handsome enough to represent the spirit of the toy brand. Originally the Ken doll was a flock-headed teenage white male clad only in red swim trunks. Mattel released an African American version seven years later in 1968. As for age, 41 years later Mattel introduced the "Sugar's Daddy Ken" who, let's just say completely subverted the dominant paradigm.

The bottom line is anyone can play Ken. And with Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" hitting theaters this summer, we went ahead and made a list of queer stars we would like to see go queen-to-queen against the molded plastic matriarch herself.

Alexander Lincoln

This gay breakout star was last seen in the critically acclaimed movie "In From the Side," as a rugby player secretly in love with a male teammate. As a brunette, he's not the Malibu version often associated with the Ken doll character, but his stunning good looks and wholesome smile are touchstones upon which Mattel usually creates their molds. Lincoln recently came out on Instagram in response to a question about straight actors playing gay roles.

Brandon Flynn

We can't give "13 Reasons Why Brandon" would make a good Ken, but we can at least let you in on a few. First, that wonderful smile seems effortless for a Ken doll utterly happy in a world ruled by successful women. And second, scroll through his Instagram and check out his fashion choices. They seem perfectly tailored for the world of Barbiecore. With bright colors, fun combinations, and unconventional sartorial flair, Brandon needs his own closet in the Barbie Dream House.

Lil Nas X

His body seems to have been cast directly from a mold at the Mattel toy factory itself. But it is real and that is one of the reasons he is a perfect candidate to play Ken next to Barbie in the movie. Of course, there is also that biting wit and activist energy which despite the packaging allows this singer to think outside of the box.

Troye Sivan

Along with being another singer on this list, Troye is also an actor. He is more like Ken's sexy younger brother than a peer, but all that could translate into some interesting scenarios if he suddenly busted out into an a capella rendition of "Bloom." This 29-year-old twunk is a little less flamboyant than his Nas X counterpart, but in a Barbie World, the only thing that limits your movement are your points of articulation.

Matt Dallas

He is more "daddy" than dolly now, but back in 2006, Matt played a character much like Ken in "Kyle XY." In that show, he's sort of a living doll (with no belly button) manufactured by science rather than a toy factory. Since it is suggested that Ken isn't that bright, maybe Matt could be that older, wiser Ken who mentors other Kens as they find their identities in a world where nothing makes sense.

Darryl Stephens

Darryl, perhaps best known as the lead character in "Noah's Arc," has already played opposite a pink icon in "Angelyne," so he might already know how to handle a self-absorbed woman made of plastic. With his fierce good looks and approachability, Darryl seems like a perfect choice to play a role in a movie based on America's favorite toy. Most people probably know the actor but as Ken he could teach her why African-American representation in children's toys is important.

Ricky Martin

Maybe Ken wasn't made to be a sex symbol but if Ricky played him, it would just be a fact. In this version of Ken, the singer could portray a former pop star from an 80s boy band who is trying to make a comeback. He and Barbie could then move into a brownstone apartment in New York on 68th Street managed by bickering landlords, all the while trying to get into Barbie's show via harebrained schemes.

Jonathan Groff

Technically Jonathan is already a doll. As a part of Disney's "Frozen" cast, he has a licensed figurine based on his animated character, Kristoff. In this version, Barbie's powers are not in her ability to turn water into ice, but in her ability to freeze people out. Groff, with his charming, good looks and positive demeanor could play her rom-com best Judy, able to melt her heart, allowing everyone in Barbie Land to eat cake.

Andrew Rannells

From his star-turning role in "Girls" to voicing Matthew MacDell in the Netflix animated comedy "Big Mouth," Andrew is certainly Ken material. Heck, if you stare at him long enough and imagine him with a crew cut, the resemblance is creepy. And since Barbie Land already takes up prime real estate in the uncanny valley, we bet Andrew, as an evil Ken, could reign over the male dolls with a plastic fist, turning the men against the women in a toy version of "Handmaid's Tale."

Reid Ewing

Most fans probably remember Reid as the himbo savant in "Modern Family." As Ken, he could carry that persona over as Barbie's handsome, clueless boyfriend who lives in her shadow. One day Ken realizes his love of drag and begins doing impressions of Barbie at a local club called Poppycock. He is such a success that he decides to break out and host his own reality show in which other Ken dolls compete to become the next "Barbie Land Drag Superstar."