Making an acting debut at the age of 13, Ryan Gosling began his career with kid-friendly roles such as The Mickey Mouse Club before branching off into the likes of Are You Afraid of the Dark, while still a child actor. A crime thriller, The Believer, marked his breakthrough role in 2001 and sent him off on a journey that would see him play versatile roles across dozens of genres.
However, he would still venture into the more serious side of cinema with new roles, even as light-hearted ones kept coming.
The shuffling between these two modes of acting continued until he starred as Ken for Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-nominated flick, Barbie. Drenched in pink and helming a character that resonated with viewers across all ages, the role held a particularly personal importance for the actor.
Additionally, it also birthed a new philosophy in his life, as he pledged to steer his career in a self-chosen direction. Yet, his latest casting in a movie appears to go against it.
Ryan Gosling in a zombie movie goes against his call
Leaving no time to rest following his award-winning performance as a crotchless doll in Barbie, a scoop by popular Hollywood tipster, The InSneider, broke the news that Ryan Gosling has signed on to star in an upcoming zombie movie titled I USED TO EAT BRAINS, NOW I EAT KALE. At this point, nothing apart from the title is known about the movie, which could well be a full-fledged exploration of the genre.
On the contrary, this role may be going against his earlier claims of not starring anymore in darker roles or in movies that have serious themes. In talks with The Wall Street Journal a month ago, the 43-year-old spoke of that decision, which he took in light of maintaining a healthy family atmosphere for his two young daughters.
I don’t really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place.
Expanding on that philosophy, he also added how his 2016 Oscar-nominated movie opposite Emma Stone marked the first step in that direction. The movie’s theme of a musical helped him engage in activities that not only instilled happiness into his family but also had his daughters play a part in his preparation for the task.
I think La La Land was the first. It was just sort of like, ‘Oh, this will be fun for [my daughters], too, because even though they’re not coming to set, we’re practicing piano every day or we’re dancing or we’re singing.
Soon after the interview went live, the star received praise and acclaim for putting his family first and setting a new benchmark for working parents in the entertainment industry.
Fans question, but choose to side with the actor
The talks of Ryan Gosling joining a zombie movie had fans questioning his earlier decision. Usual outings in the genre involve a horror/thriller theme with a plot going into complex narratives and a quest for survival, making up for a mature viewership.
Moreover, a potential leap into the film will have the actor shed his Barbie limelight and give in to grittiness. On the flip side, fortunately, fans spotted a potential mislead.
The title of the movie itself conveys that it would likely be of the comedy genre and not involve a serious undertone. Rather, many believed it could also take on the nature of a parody or a fun-filled ride similar to how Greta Gerwig managed to turn a movie ripe with messages on woman empowerment into an extravaganza that both entertained the audience and also imparted its intended wisdom.
Didn’t he say “no more dark films?” pic.twitter.com/1j5I8gOdAn
— alicia fuentes1 🕊️✝️👩❤️💋👨🌹❤️💍♈️╰(*´︶`*)╯ (@aliciafuentes1) June 12, 2024
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— clare (@youngntragic) June 12, 2024
I honestly love his little fun movies https://t.co/wrLA41egVV
— 🙃 (@ruebennetsss) June 12, 2024
That’s certainly a movie title https://t.co/4oaq4HAsYv
— Eden | עדן (@edennnkk) June 12, 2024
okay sure . why not https://t.co/0osYuHVDlQ
— lissy (@kenerqy) June 12, 2024
this sounds 100% real and legitimate https://t.co/arie8L622G
— Emmy (@somekindofsin) June 12, 2024
Gosling’s career has had him take on serious, brooding roles such as in Blade Runner 2049, where he keeps a pensive attitude. Yet, in staying true to his words, all his roles following Barbie such as The Fall Guy have aligned with his set principles of being fun and light in tone. Moreover, his upcoming sci-fi project, Project Hail Mary, will have him star as a savior for humanity, further advancing his idea of being a role model to his daughters.
