In a world where cinematic universes thrive, ‘The Nice Guys’ stands as a standout neo-noir comedy that deserved a wider audience. Starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, and directed by the acclaimed Shane Black, the film captivated critics with its witty dialogue and engaging performances. However, despite its critical acclaim, ‘The Nice Guys’ stumbled at the box office, grossing a mere $70 million worldwide against a $50 million budget. This disappointing financial performance has cast doubt on the possibility of a sequel, a prospect that leaves fans yearning for more.
In a recent interview, Gosling expressed his skepticism about a ‘The Nice Guys’ sequel, citing the film’s unfortunate release date as a contributing factor to its box office woes. The film debuted at a time when the ‘Angry Birds’ movie, based on a mobile game, dominated the box office, leaving little room for other films to compete. Gosling lamented, “Just destroyed us. ‘Angry Birds’ got a sequel.”
Prior to its theatrical release, ‘The Nice Guys’ had a different trajectory in mind. Black initially conceived it as a television show, but networks showed little interest. “We caught the characters, but the plot was totally different. It was set in present day, and no one wanted to buy it,” Black revealed. The concept was eventually transformed into the film that audiences came to know, but the idea of a ‘The Nice Guys’ television series remains tantalizing for fans who crave more adventures with Gosling’s Holland March and Crowe’s Jackson Healy.
