GWAR Reimagines ‘Barbie’ Movie’s ‘I’m Just Ken’ To Revive A.V. Undercover Series

Satirical metal act GWAR have put their own spin on “I’m Just Ken,” the song performed by actor Ryan Gosling in the Barbie film. The awe-inspiring cover was filmed for and released to launch the ninth season of The A.V. Club’s beloved A.V. Undercover video series.

The A.V. Club started A.V. Undercover in 2010 and put out eight seasons through 2017 before shelving the series for nearly seven years. Each past season has seen a diverse set of artists pick from a pre-determined list of covers to film and record. GWAR taking on “I’m Just Ken” was requested by Consequence in response to The A.V. Club teasing the return of A.V. Undercover.

The Greta Gerwig-directed Barbie movie was released in 2023. Ryan Gosling stars as Ken and sang “I’m Just Ken,” which was written and produced by Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson. The song won a Critics’ Choice Award and was nominated for a Grammy and Oscar.

GWAR laid down their reworked “I’m Just Ken” at Second Take Sound in New York City shortly after appearing at Bonnaroo last month. Frontman Blöthar the Berserker sang altered lyrics and adapted the title to “We’re just GWAR.” Blöthar said they were game to cover the song due to his “prurient interest in Ryan Gosling,” which he claims dates back to the actor’s time on The Mickey Mouse Club.

“I’m Just Ken”/”We’re Just GWAR” not only revives the series but marks the band’s return to A.V. Undercover. GWAR previously laid down covers of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son,” Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car,” Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls,” Cyndi Lauper’s “She-Bop” and AC/DC’s “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” for The A.V. Club.

Watch GWAR freshen up “I’m Just Ken” as “We’re Just GWAR” below:

GWAR embarks on an extensive fall tour starting on September 12 in Buffalo. The performance artists will be on the road through November 20. Scroll below for dates and ticketing info.