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On and off the big screen, it’s Barbie’s world and Ken is just living in it.
As reflected in Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster movie that tackles Mattel’s legacy famous doll, Barbie has always been more popular than Ken. For every Ken doll sold today, there are generally eight to 10 Barbies sold, according to Jim Silver, a toy industry expert and CEO of TTPM’s review site.
It’s unclear if Warner Bros’ “Barbie,” which was also co-produced by Mattel, will increase Ken’s production and sales. But Silver noted that the movie “gave Ken more attention than Ken has received” in decades.
Ken was first introduced back in 1961, two years after Barbie hit store shelves. But he hasn’t had nearly the same impact on the Barbieverse since.
“Barbie’s world is about Barbie. And (to some), Ken may be an accessory of sorts,” said Ed Timke, an assistant professor of advertising and public relations at Michigan State University, pointing to years of marketing that has, naturally, put Barbie at center stage.
The new attention around Ken following “Barbie’s” release has also received pushback. Many note that the movie is about Barbie – not Ken – and that’s where the spotlight should stay.
Still, the dynamic between the film’s Barbie and Ken may get people to reflect some big questions about gender as well as Ken’s own evolution over the years.
Ken’s relationship to Barbie has been up for debate since the two hit the toy aisle together. While Mattel long-advertised Ken as Barbie’s boyfriend – and even detailed their 2004 split and subsequent reconciliation seven years later – many also saw Ken as Barbie’s best friend, and sometimes queer icon.
