Here's Why Ryan Gosling Is Turning Down Psychologically Twisted Roles

Actor Ryan Gosling has opened up about his decision to avoid psychologically intense roles to safeguard his mental well-being for the sake of his family. A father of two with partner Eva Mendes, Gosling shared that his choice of recent projects, including Barbie and The Fall Guy, reflects the shift in his career focus. “I don’t really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place,” he said, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal Magazine.

“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,” the actor added, further saying that the decisions he makes are always keeping his family in mind.

Ryan Gosling went on to explain that La La Land was the first step towards this approach for him. “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.’ Their interest in ‘Barbie’ and their disinterest in Ken was an inspiration,” he said.

Gosling’s upcoming film, The Fall Guy, features him as a Hollywood stuntman struggling to win back the affection of his ex-partner, the movie’s director (played by Emily Blunt). Critics are reportedly praising Gosling’s return to comedy, with Variety’s Chief Film Critic Peter Debruge commending the actor for blending the action hero of Drive with the charming character from Crazy, Stupid, Love.

“The Fall Guy is funny, and it features the boy’s-toy version of ‘Barbie’ scene-stealer Ryan Gosling — which is to say, after playing a Ken doll, now he embodies the ultimate action figure,” he noted. Debruge further added that it is the charismatic side of Gosling that audiences love, as opposed to the expressionless ‘Only God Forgives’ character of him. “Though his character doesn’t have much depth, you could hardly wish for better casting,” he asserted.

The Fall Guy is set to premiere in theaters on May 3, courtesy of Universal Pictures. The actor recently made a surprise appearance at Universal Studios Hollywood’s WaterWorld stunt show to promote the film.