Ryan Gosling is back with a new film that continues an intriguing trend in his career. Since his early days in front of the camera, he has captivated audiences worldwide. Gosling first made a significant mark in the industry with his star-making role in the 2004 romance The Notebook. Since then, he has earned three Oscar nominations for his performances in Half Nelson, La La Land, and this year’s blockbuster, Barbie.
Gosling’s filmography showcases his versatility, highlighting a broad array of genres. Alongside romance, he has excelled in drama with Blue Valentine, comedy with Crazy, Stupid, Love., thrillers like Murder by Numbers, action in The Gray Man, and space operas with Blade Runner 2049. Each role underscores his ability to navigate different cinematic styles effortlessly.
According to Deadline, one of Gosling’s upcoming films is an action-comedy titled Tough Guys, produced by Amazon MGM Studios. He will share the screen with the hilarious Will Ferrell, adding further intrigue to this project.
This film centers around two henchmen attempting to leave their pasts of crime behind. Written by Daniel Gold, known for Workin’ Moms, the project is currently without a director but promises a fun blend of action and comedy.
What’s Next for Ryan Gosling
Tough Guys: A New Addition to His ‘Guy’ Films
What makes Tough Guys particularly fascinating is that this will mark Ryan Gosling’s third action-comedy film with “guy” in the title. He previously starred in The Nice Guys (2016), where he tackled the role of a down-on-his-luck private detective, and The Fall Guy (2024), in which he portrayed a stunt performer. It’s a unique hook that might resonate with fans of his earlier work.
In addition to his “guy” films, Gosling has also starred in two films with “man” in the title: First Man (2018) and The Gray Man (2022). Such trends in his film titles shed light on his career choices and the kinds of roles he gravitates towards.
Interestingly, Tough Guys also aligns with a pattern in Will Ferrell’s oeuvre. He previously starred in the buddy cop film The Other Guys alongside Mark Wahlberg, exploring similar comedic territory. If Gosling’s character mirrors the usual “loser” trope, audiences can expect a high-energy, entertaining ride as these henchmen embark on their quest for redemption.
Expectations for Tough Guys
A New Opportunity for Success
However, a problematic trend has emerged for Gosling’s previous “guy” films: underwhelming box office performances. While exact break-even points are rarely disclosed, many films, including The Nice Guys (with $62.8 million against a $50 million budget) and The Fall Guy (raking in $181.2 million against $150 million), struggled to turn a profit in theaters.
Yet, Gosling’s collaboration with Ferrell could change this narrative. Their previous partnership in Barbie, which became the highest-grossing film of 2023, has set a considerable precedent. The reunion of these two stars might propel Tough Guys toward broader success, especially if Amazon MGM Studios opts for a theatrical release.
All eyes will be on this intriguing project as it develops, capturing the essence of action-comedy while solidifying Ryan Gosling’s status as a dynamic force in cinema.