‘The Gray Man‘ is the latest offering from the Russo brothers, who rose to prominence with Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, so one would expect a degree of pop cultural references in their films. However, the spy action film shows a degree of foresight when Chris Evans’ Lloyd Hansen refers to Ryan Gosling’s Sierra Six as “Ken Doll”. 

The male doll who popularly appears opposite Barbie is going to be seen in the highly anticipated ‘Barbie‘ movie which co-stars Margot Robbie. 

However, when the Russo brothers came up with the line, Gosling hadn’t been cast in the role in Greta Gerwig’s film yet. Evans’ character says “Extra ten million to the first guy to put a bullet in this Ken Doll’s brain”. 

The scene occurs when police in Prague take Six into custody but they’re sitting ducks in the city square while Hansen’s mercenary groups descend upon the scene. 

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In an epic and drawn-out gunfight sequence the Prague police go toe to toe with the trained killers and Six chips in while handcuffed to a bench. 

There’s a part where the killers engage the police instead of taking a shot at Six, eliciting a tired comment from Hansen that it cannot be that difficult to shoot a person. He then adds the incentive of the extra “ten million”. 

Joe Russo spoke to Digital Spy about the Ken Doll reference, saying “It was great timing. But we’d like to say that we encouraged Ryan to embrace his Kenergy. We’re expecting a real Kennaisance”. Anthony Russo added, “I know it’s hard to believe, but the line pre-dated any involvement whatsoever.” 

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Gosling’s character ultimately gets out of the jam with a little help from Ana de Armas’ Dani Miranda, his partner. 

‘The Gray Man’ had a theatrical release but is now available for streaming on Netflix.