In 2016, the action-comedy film ‘The Nice Guys,’ starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, emerged with promising prospects. Directed by Shane Black, the movie garnered positive reviews and a well-respected cast. However, despite these advantages, a theatrical sequel never materialized, leaving fans puzzled about its fate.
A recent revelation from Gosling, who portrayed private investigator Holland March in the film, sheds light on the reasons behind the lack of a sequel. Gosling attributed the absence of a follow-up to the film’s lackluster box office performance during its opening weekend.
In an interview with Comic Book, Gosling explained that ‘The Nice Guys’ encountered fierce competition upon its release. Coinciding with its debut was ‘The Angry Birds Movie,’ a highly anticipated animated film based on the popular mobile game. ‘So much of a sequel, I think, is decided by the opening weekend of a movie, and we opened against Angry Birds,’ Gosling stated. ‘So Angry Birds just destroyed us. Angry Birds got a sequel.’
The Angry Birds Movie’s robust opening weekend, grossing $38 million, overshadowed ‘The Nice Guys,’ which managed only $11.2 million. Adding to the box office woes, ‘The Nice Guys’ also faced challenges from ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising’ ($21.7 million opening) and ‘Captain America: Civil War’ ($32.9 million in its third weekend).
With a budget hovering around $50 million, ‘The Nice Guys’ managed to recoup only $62.8 million during its entire theatrical run, barely covering its production costs. Despite its critical acclaim and star power, the film’s disappointing opening weekend ultimately hindered the chances of a sequel.
Set in 1977 Los Angeles, ‘The Nice Guys’ follows the unlikely partnership between a private detective (Gosling) and a tough enforcer (Crowe) as they investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl. The film’s cast includes Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Margaret Qualley, Keith David, Kim Basinger, and an uncredited cameo by Robert Downey Jr.
While ‘The Nice Guys’ may not have received a sequel, its unique blend of comedy and action, coupled with the chemistry between Gosling and Crowe, continues to captivate audiences. The film stands as a reminder that a movie’s opening weekend performance can significantly influence its fate, even with a strong cast and positive critical reception.
