‘It’s a funny photo and he’s trying to be funny’: Eva Mendes defends Ryan Gosling’s Ken look in Barbie after internet reacts hilariously to it | EasternEye
Recently, Warner Bros released the first photo of Ryan Gosling from Greta Gerwig’s upcoming directorial venture Barbie, and, as was expected, it immediately sent the internet into a total tizzy.
While the majority of fans liked the look, some Twitter reactions have been negative, accusing the actor of being too old for the role, not the right look for Ken, or being too different from the doll users have in their heads.
However, Eva Mendes seems to be in love with her partner Ken doll transformation. She defended the 41-year-old actor’s debated look, which sees him rocking bleach-blonde hair and a tanned bare chest, dressed in 80s-esque double denim with Ken-branded underwear, during Tuesday’s episode of The Talk.
“People do know he is not playing a real person, right? He is playing a fake person,” she said.
— (@)
“Well, first of all, I saw the photo, and the 14-year-old in me was like, “Ahhh.” But you know, it's a funny photo and he's trying to be funny. So it worked on all levels,” she added.
She also shared how she was surprised by her partner’s transformation into the beloved Mattel doll that she asked if she could keep a piece of his costume.
“When I saw it, he sent it to me from work and I said, "Can I please have that underwear? Please. I never ask for anything."'
In addition to Ryan Gosling, the forthcoming film also features Margot Robbie, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, and Issa Rae in significant roles. It is set to enter theatres on July 21, 2023.
Not much is known about the plot, but apparently, the film will feature multiple Barbies and Kens. The Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu vaguely opened up about the film during a previous interview, saying it’s “wild,” “incredibly unique," and "I wish I could just show you what we do day to day because it’s crazy.” He also said that he heard about the movie from a junior agent while on a call with his team: “He literally said this verbatim. He was like, ‘If I could stake my career on any one script, it’s the Barbie script. I really think you should do it.’”
Pankaj Dheer, famed for playing Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, dies after a battle with cancer.
Actor also appeared in films like Sanam Bewafa and TV shows including Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka.
Remembered for his cultural impact, with temples and statues dedicated to his portrayal of Karna.
Beloved for portraying karna
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for his role as the warrior Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by his friend and colleague Amit Behl as well as CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association), which issued a statement expressing profound grief.
According to sources, Dheer had been battling cancer for some time. Despite undergoing major surgery and fighting the disease, it relapsed a few months ago, leaving him extremely unwell. His cremation was held on the same day at Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.
A versatile career in film and television
Beyond Mahabharat, Dheer appeared in films such as Sanam Bewafa and Baadshah, and TV shows including Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka. He also worked as a director, helming the film My Father Godfather, and founded the Abhinay Acting Academy, mentoring aspiring actors.
Dheer’s portrayal of Karna left a lasting impression on audiences, making him one of Indian television’s most recognisable figures from the 1980s.
Cultural legacy and devotion
In interviews, Dheer spoke about the enduring popularity of his character, noting that statues and temples were built in his name. He revealed that he is worshipped in two Karna Mandirs, one in Karnal and another in Bastar, where an eight-foot statue honours his character.
He reflected: “People have loved me and adored me over the years. Even in the history books of schools, if they have a reference to Karna, they have my picture there. So, as long as these books are printed, I will always be their reference as Karna.”
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son, actor Nikitin Dheer. His work continues to influence Indian television and the cultural memory of the Mahabharat epic.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.