Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling, renowned for his dynamic portrayals across a spectrum of film genres, has recently indicated a significant shift in his career trajectory, opting for roles that promise a lighter touch. This decision, aimed to accommodate his family’s well-being, marks a departure from the gritty, psychologically complex characters that once defined his career.
Gosling’s Career Evolution: From ‘Drive’ to ‘Barbie’
Starting off as the quintessential romantic hero in films like The Notebook, Gosling’s foray into deeper, more intense cinema came with his collaboration with Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn. Their projects together, especially the critically acclaimed Drive (2011) and Only God Forgives, showcased Gosling’s ability to delve into complex, troubled characters, earning him a dedicated following and critical praise.
However, Gosling’s recent roles, including his Oscar-nominated performance in La La Land and his playful portrayal of Ken in Barbie, signal a notable shift. In a candid revelation to Journal Magazine, Gosling expressed a newfound prioritization of his family’s emotional well-being over darker roles.
“I don’t really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place,”
he stated, acknowledging the influence his career choices have on his home life with partner Eva Mendes and their daughters, Esmeralda and Amada.
Why Gosling is Steering Clear of Dark Roles
The actor’s decision stems from a desire to maintain a positive atmosphere at home.
“This moment is what I feel like trying to read the room at home and feel like what is going to be best for all of us,”
Gosling explained. He emphasized that his career decisions are made collectively, with significant input from Mendes, focusing on what is most beneficial for their family.
Ryan Gosling Decides to Avoid Dark Roles in Movies to Protect Family with Eva Mendes https://t.co/fW0WbyReSO via @YouTube #RyanGosling,#FamilyFirst,#Hollywood,#Entertainment pic.twitter.com/w23FmAyWEd
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Despite the acclaim garnered from his intense roles, Gosling’s pivot is aimed at ensuring his professional choices resonate well with his family’s interests, including engaging projects like Barbie, which he described as fun and relatable for his children.
“It was just sort of like, ‘Oh, this will be fun for them, too, because even though they’re not coming to set, we’re practicing piano every day or we’re dancing or we’re singing,’”
What’s Next for Gosling?
While the shift might disappoint fans longing for a sequel to Drive or similar ventures, Gosling is set to appear in David Leitch’s action comedy, The Fall Guy, alongside Emily Blunt, continuing his streak in lighter, more family-congenial genres.
As Ryan Gosling redefines his career to align more closely with his family’s needs, it remains to be seen how this transformation will influence his future choices in cinema. However, one thing is clear: Gosling is committed to balancing his professional endeavors with his role as a father and partner, ensuring that his off-screen life is just as fulfilling as his on-screen performances.