Oliver Stone has publicly apologized to Ryan Gosling for his previous criticism of the actor’s role as Ken in the “Barbie” film. Stone, a renowned director, expressed regret for his earlier comments, acknowledging that they were made out of ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Oliver Stone has publicly apologized to Ryan Gosling for his previous comments about Gosling’s role in the “Barbie” film, acknowledging his earlier ignorance and expressing appreciation for the movie’s originality and themes.
Stone’s Apology and Change of Heart
In a statement posted on X, Stone praised the “Barbie” movie for its originality and themes, expressing appreciation for the filmmakers’ approach. He admitted that the film was different from what he had initially expected and apologized for speaking ignorantly about it.
Furthermore, Stone commended Greta Gerwig, the director of “Barbie,” referencing her previous work on the 2017 film “Ladybird,” which he personally admired. Notably, “Barbie” achieved significant success in 2023, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year, with a box office revenue exceeding $1.4 billion. The movie featured Margot Robbie as Barbie, alongside Gosling in the role of Ken.
Controversy Surrounding Stone’s Initial Comments
Stone’s controversial remarks about Gosling were originally made in a June 2023 interview with City A.M., just prior to the release of “Barbie.” He had criticized Gosling for allegedly taking on the role solely for financial gain, stating that the actor would be “wasting his time” if money was his primary motivation. Additionally, Stone had expressed disapproval of Hollywood’s trend towards fantasy-based films, including his negative views on “Barbie” and its impact on the industry.