Ryan Gosling Emerges as Gen Z's Ideal Movie Star

The actor's recent roles subvert his traditional stoic masculinity, aligning with younger audiences' preferences for more emotionally available and empathetic male leads.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ryan Gosling has long been associated with a certain type of stoic, masculine screen presence. However, his recent roles, such as playing the emotionally vulnerable Ken in the upcoming "Barbie" film, suggest he is embracing a new persona that aligns with Gen Z and Gen Alpha's desire for more empathetic and emotionally available male characters in media.

Why it matters

Hollywood has historically championed the "strong, silent" male movie star archetype, but a new UCLA study indicates that younger audiences are eager for a reimagining of masculinity on screen - one rooted in connection, empathy, and emotional availability. Gosling's evolving on-screen persona positions him to become the kind of male lead that resonates with these shifting audience preferences.

The details

Gosling's role as the sensitive, self-effacing Ken in the upcoming "Barbie" film is seen as a turning point, drawing on his established star image while also subverting and parodying it. His upcoming projects, like "Project Hail Mary" where he plays a teacher thrust into a high-stakes space mission, further emphasize emotional intelligence and cooperation over traditional masculine power and heroics.

  • In 2026, a UCLA study surveyed 1,500 Gen Z and Gen Alpha individuals (ages 10-24) about their preferences for male characters in media.
  • Gosling's role as Ken in "Barbie" is set to release in 2023.
  • Gosling's film "Project Hail Mary" is scheduled for release on March 20, 2026.

The players

Ryan Gosling

A veteran actor known for roles that often embodied a certain stoic masculinity, but whose recent and upcoming projects suggest he is embracing a more emotionally open and vulnerable on-screen persona.

UCLA

A university that conducted a study surveying 1,500 Gen Z and Gen Alpha individuals about their preferences for male characters in media, finding a desire for more empathetic and emotionally available representations of masculinity.

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What’s next

After the release of "Project Hail Mary" in March 2026, Gosling is set to lead an upcoming Star Wars film, providing him a major platform to showcase his evolving on-screen persona to a younger, Gen Z-dominated audience.

The takeaway

Ryan Gosling's recent and upcoming roles suggest he is embracing a new on-screen persona that aligns with Gen Z and Gen Alpha's desire for male characters who exhibit more emotional intelligence, empathy, and vulnerability - a shift from the traditional stoic masculinity that has long dominated Hollywood.