Actor Tom Felton Criticizes Ryan Gosling Casting As Ken In “Barbie”

Actor Tom Felton, who famously portrayed the slippery Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” franchise, had some choice words about Greta Getwig’s “Barbie” casting. Felton posted a split-screen image of himself as Malfoy years ago and Ryan Gosling as Ken in the soon to be released “Barbie.” The caption read “kind of pissed I never got a callback.”

Gosling’s casting as Ken in “Barbie” was initially met with mixed reactions due to his age. Barbie and Ken’s characters appear to be in their 20s, and Gosling is 42 years old. The doubt was firmly erased when trailers for the film were released, and when the actor began giving interviews regarding the role during the ensuing press tour. Early reviews praise the actor’s performance.

As “Barbie” early screenings begin nationwide today ahead of the Friday wide release of the film, the post is capturing the attention of social media users everywhere. The post currently sits at upwards of 400,000 likes, with screenshots sparking further commentary on Twitter.

Internet Reactions 

Fans of Gosling and Gerwig’s films alike were none too pleased at Felton’s Instagram post. Felton has appeared in several films post “Harry Potter,” though his career lacks the critical acclaim of Gosling’s. One Twitter user simply asserted that Felton should not be one to talk regarding the “Barbie” casting.

Others were surprised that Felton used a photo of himself as a child actor, and were unsure whether the post was meant to be a joke or not.

The post led some to draw comparisons to fellow “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe, who has taken on an interesting array of various roles after starring as the titular character in the franchise. This in turn led to many overall comments on his acting career.

Some brought up a quote often delivered by his “Harry Potter” character.

Some former “Harry Potter” fans are reminding social media that Felton’s character had less of a storyline than that of the franchise “big three.” The three main characters were Harry Potter (Radcliffe) Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ronald Weasley (Rupert Grint), all of whom went on to have successful acting careers.

The disdain towards Felton is additionally born from the actor’s alleged lack of concern regarding “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling’s allegedly transphobic beliefs. In an interview with the Independent following the rise of Rowling’s controversy, the actor did assert his progressive beliefs, but stated that he “didn’t know what anyone had said.”

On the contrary, Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint all remain outspoken progressive activists. Notably, Radcliffe partners with the Trevor Project to educate the public on trans youth. The organization works to prevent suicide among young LGBTQ+ people.

Felton is yet to clarify the meaning of his Instagram post, and Gosling is yet to respond.

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