The Nice Guys Sequel: Ryan Gosling Blames Angry Birds for Dooming His Dream

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“title”: “Ryan Gosling Explains How The Angry Birds Movie Ground The Nice Guys Sequel Hopes”,
“content”: “

The 2016 action-comedy The Nice Guys, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, is a film that has cultivated a devoted following since its release. Directed by Shane Black, known for his sharp dialogue and distinctive blend of humor and action in films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3, The Nice Guys offered a stylish, neon-drenched throwback to 1970s Los Angeles. Its unique charm, witty banter, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads, Holland March (Gosling) and Jackson Healy (Crowe), left audiences and critics alike eager for more. However, despite its critical acclaim and a budget that it ultimately surpassed, a sequel has never materialized. Now, Ryan Gosling is once again shedding light on why that follow-up never took flight, and his explanation is as unexpected as it is amusing: a flock of animated, irate birds.

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The Box Office Clash: A Tale of Two Openings

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The Nice Guys premiered in May 2016, aiming to capture audiences with its unique brand of buddy-cop comedy. The film garnered positive reviews for its clever script, stylish direction, and the dynamic performances of Gosling and Crowe. While it eventually grossed over $71 million worldwide against a reported $50 million budget, its initial box office performance was crucial in determining its future. In Hollywood, opening weekend figures are often a deciding factor for studios considering sequels, especially for films that aren’t immediate runaway hits.

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The critical challenge for The Nice Guys came in the form of an unlikely competitor: The Angry Birds Movie. Based on the immensely popular mobile game, the animated feature was a significant draw for families and younger audiences. When both films opened on the same weekend, the disparity in their opening box office numbers was stark. The Nice Guys managed to earn approximately $11.2 million domestically in its debut weekend. In contrast, The Angry Birds Movie soared, taking in a substantial $38.2 million during its opening weekend. This significant difference in initial audience reception, as highlighted by Gosling, proved to be a major hurdle for any potential franchise expansion.

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Gosling’s Frustration: \”We Got Killed by Angry Birds\”

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Ryan Gosling, whose surname coincidentally evokes images of young birds, has spoken candidly about the impact of this box office showdown. During recent press engagements for his other projects, including Project Hail Mary, Gosling has revisited the topic with a mixture of amusement and lingering frustration. He recounted the experience to Letterboxd, stating, \”We got killed by Angry Birds.\” He elaborated on the overwhelming success of the animated film, noting, \”[The Nice Guys] came out at the same time as Angry Birds, and Angry Birds just destroyed us.\” The actor, with a shake of his head, added a humorous observation about the film’s title, \”They’re just so angry.\”

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This sentiment underscores a common, albeit often unacknowledged, reality in the film industry. While critical reception and audience enjoyment are vital, the financial performance, particularly in the crucial opening weeks, dictates a film’s trajectory. For The Nice Guys, its strong showing among critics and a dedicated fanbase wasn’t enough to overcome the sheer market dominance of a major animated release. The studio’s decision-making process for sequels often relies heavily on these initial financial indicators, making the competition on opening weekend a critical factor.

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The Lingering Hope for a Sequel

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Despite the setback caused by The Angry Birds Movie, the desire for a sequel to The Nice Guys has not waned among its fans. The film’s unique blend of dark humor, intricate plot, and the compelling dynamic between Gosling’s bumbling detective and Crowe’s more stoic enforcer created a world ripe for further exploration. Shane Black has also expressed interest in returning to the characters, suggesting that the creative team behind the film remains invested in the property.

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The challenges of getting a sequel off the ground are multifaceted. Beyond the initial box office performance, factors such as actor availability, script development, and the studio’s willingness to invest in a follow-up to a film that wasn’t a massive commercial success play significant roles. However, the enduring popularity of The Nice Guys, evidenced by its continued discussion and Gosling’s recent comments, suggests that the door, while perhaps not wide open, might not be entirely shut. The cult status the film has achieved means that a potential sequel could still find an audience, especially if the right circumstances align.

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The story of The Nice Guys and its sequel aspirations serves as a fascinating case study in Hollywood economics. It highlights