Ryan Gosling's Daughters Inspired Him to Play Ken in the Barbie Movie

Ryan Gosling is known for his many heartthrob roles, from the mentoring bachelor in Crazy Stupid Love to Noah in The Notebook. But the star is now taking on one of the most iconic leading man roles of all time, in part because of a sign from his daughters.

The Canadian actor is garnering attention for his role as Ken in the upcoming Barbie movie. The light and poppy, yet satirical tale follows the adventures of Barbie and her sidekick Ken as they venture into “the real world.” In a recent cover interview with GQ Gosling opened up about the exciting new movie and why he took on the challenge of playing the pop culture icon.

While the female-focused and led film drew Gosling in, he also said a part of the reason he took on the role is that he actually relates to the kids’ toy thing. His daughters Esmeralda and Amada play with Barbies—and well, Ken doesn’t always get fair play. “I did see him, like, face down in the mud outside one day, next to a squished lemon,” Gosling said, “and it was like, This guy’s story does need to be told, you know?”

Gosling, a family man through and through, insists on bringing his family to the location of each of the movies he shoots. He also notes that while relatives come around he and his wife Eva Mendes don’t have a nanny; whatever they do, they do it themselves.

When asked about how he parents when he feels a little unsure Gosling noted that he always looks to his wife for advice. “I just lean on Eva. She knows what’s important, always. She just somehow knows. So if ever I’m in my head about it, I just ask her.” Every Ken needs a Barbie after all.

The Barbie movie is set to debut July 21.