In what can only be described as a bizarre twist of Hollywood fate, Ryan Gosling’s dream of a sequel to the much-adored The Nice Guys was overshadowed by a flock of irate avians. Yes, you read that right. While Gosling, known for his compelling performances, might have hoped to revive his role in a follow-up to the cult classic, it appears that Angry Birds had other plans, leaving fans and cinema aficionados both furious and bewildered.
A Battle of Box Office and Bafflement
Ryan Gosling, fresh off his role in David Leitch’s The Fall Guy, finds himself at a curious crossroads. His comedic prowess in The Nice Guys, alongside Russell Crowe, had audiences in stitches, yet Hollywood’s obsession with sequels has taken an unexpected turn. As the feathers settled, The Angry Birds Movie—yes, the one inspired by the mobile game about ornery poultry—soared to a staggering $352 million globally. In contrast, The Nice Guys managed a respectable, albeit overshadowed, $62 million. This financial discrepancy perhaps best illustrates Hollywood’s current unpredictable appetite for what gets greenlit.
Fan Fury and the Cult Following
The aftermath on social media was akin to a war zone. Fans of Gosling’s film voiced their discontent, questioning the sanity of Hollywood decision-makers. As one fan emphatically noted, “I love how companies just make the worst decisions.” This sentiment resonates across platforms, where others echo their admiration for the 2016 film. “One of the greatest movies I’ve ever seen… I still watch it every year or so,” shared a passionate fan on a Netflix review, highlighting the movie’s continued appeal on streaming platforms.
What’s Next for The Nice Guys?
Despite the initial box office blip, The Nice Guys found its second wind on Netflix, amassing a loyal fanbase enamored with its quirky narrative and charismatic duo. The clamor for more adventures involving Jackson Healy (Crowe) and Holland March (Gosling) is palpable. Fans crave the plot, style, costumes, and the infectious soundtrack that made the original film a standout. Yet, Hollywood’s infatuation with Angry Birds has left these hopes hanging by a thread.
Hollywood’s Future: Listening to the Audience?
As the industry continues to evolve, one wonders if voices like those of The Nice Guys enthusiasts can sway the titans of Tinseltown. Director Shane Black, known for his storytelling prowess, briefly toyed with the idea of a TV adaptation, but even that got lost in the maze of network decisions. Meanwhile, Gosling’s comedic flair hasn’t gone unnoticed, with upcoming projects like the Barbie movie on the horizon. Perhaps, just perhaps, a little bit of that Gosling charm could reignite interest and eventually bring back our beloved detective duo for another round of hilarity and action.
The Flight of the Angry Birds on Wall Street
In a twist of irony, as The Nice Guys saga unfolds, Angry Birds isn’t just dominating Hollywood but also taking flight towards the stock market. Rovio, the company behind the game, is now eyeing an IPO, buoyed by its diversified ventures including theme parks and merchandise. This development might just see these birds not just in theaters, but also flying high on the Helsinki stock exchange.