In Hollywood, every actor has roles they dream of playing. For Ryan Gosling, it seems a superhero cape was almost part of his wardrobe, before he shifted gears into roles that have since defined his career like the smooth-talking Ken in Barbie or the soulful musician in La La Land. But did you know there was a time when Gosling was close to following in the footsteps of Hugh Jackman, potentially as a superhero? That’s right—Gosling could have been on the other side of the comic book movie universe.
Ryan Gosling and the Superhero Role That Almost Was
Imagine Ryan Gosling swapping his charming, brooding roles for intense, crime-fighting action—a stark contrast from the characters we’ve grown accustomed to seeing him portray. Before he serenaded us through the streets of Los Angeles or navigated the complex world of sentient dolls, Gosling was eyeing a role in a superhero film that had Hugh Jackman originally attached to it.
“I wanted to make this one,”
Gosling has been quoted as saying about the film, stirring up quite the excitement and curiosity among fans and movie buffs alike.
The Transformation of Drive: From Superhero Flick to Neo-Noir Classic
The film in question isn’t your typical superhero blockbuster. It’s Drive, a movie that, though it skews closer to a neo-noir cult classic today, initially flirted with the superhero genre in its early stages. Gosling, who eventually starred in the film, revealed how it underwent several rewrites, transitioning from a superhero narrative to the gripping, stylistic piece we know and love today.
“Drive became his personal superhero movie,”
Gosling said, reflecting on how the film resonated with him. The character of Driver, a man entangled in the dangerous underbelly of Los Angeles who sees himself as a hero, became a canvas for Gosling to explore a complex psyche shaped by cinematic influences. He elaborated,
“This is a guy that’s seen too many movies, and he’s started to confuse his life for a film. He’s lost in the mythology of Hollywood.”
When Real Life and Reels Blur: Gosling’s Deep Dive into Character
Gosling’s connection to his roles often transcends the screen, impacting him on a personal level. Discussing how his childhood was influenced by movies like First Blood, he shared a candid glimpse into his youthful imagination,
“First Blood had me convinced I was Rambo. I even threw knives at kids during recess.”
This blurring of reality and fiction from his youth mirrors the internal conflict of his character in Drive, making his portrayal deeply personal and layered.
A Legacy Beyond Capes: Gosling’s Unique Heroic Path
Though Drive didn’t deliver the typical superhero spectacle, it offered something arguably more enduring—a noirish, introspective look at a man wrestling with his identity, wrapped in a pulsating electronic score that’s as haunting as it is mesmerizing. Gosling’s journey through the film was a testament to finding heroism in the unconventional, crafting a narrative that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll.
A Nostalgic Moment Revisited: Gosling and McAdams’ Notebook Chemistry
Apart from his near-superhero escapades, Gosling’s cinematic ventures have continued to capture hearts, most notably through his on-screen chemistry with Rachel McAdams in The Notebook. Their iconic kiss, which they recreated live on stage at the MTV Movie Awards, remains a celebrated moment in film history, underscoring their dynamic connection both on and off-screen.
Ryan Gosling’s career might have taken a different turn had he donned a superhero costume. Yet, through roles that blend the dramatic, the romantic, and the thrilling, he has crafted a filmography that’s as diverse as it is impactful. Whether as a driver, a lover, or a doll, Gosling continues to leave an indelible mark on Hollywood, proving that heroes come in many forms—even those without capes.