Ryan Gosling Once Gained 60 lbs for a Role and Then Got Fired, See Why

In the world of Hollywood casting tales, few are as intriguing as the behind-the-scenes drama of The Lovely Bones. While the 2009 adaptation of Alice Sebold’s novel captivated audiences with its haunting narrative, it’s the off-screen saga involving Ryan Gosling that adds an extra layer of fascination to the film’s history.

How Ryan Gosling envisioned the role.

Ryan Gosling, known for his muscled physique and versatile acting works, found himself in an unexpected situation when he was tapped to portray Jack Salmon, the grief-stricken father at the heart of The Lovely Bones’ story. Moving away from his usual roles, Gosling envisioned Jack as a character grappling with the weight of loss, both emotionally and physically. Determined to embody this vision, Gosling embarked on a transformative journey that involved, among other things, a liberal consumption of Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

In a bid to pack on the pounds necessary to convincingly portray Jack’s anguish and depression, Gosling turned to a rather unconventional method: indulging in copious amounts of ice cream whenever thirst struck, making him gain 60lbs. It proved Gosling’s dedication to his craft, a commitment that saw him embracing a dad bod aesthetic and sporting a beard to fully immerse himself in the role.

It conflicted with how the director wanted the character to be.

However, Gosling’s commitment to the character came with surprising consequences. As the filming dates came closer, the film’s producers, including director Peter Jackson and co-writer Fran Walsh, faced a dilemma. While Gosling’s dedication was admirable, the drastic physical transformation he underwent raised concerns about his suitability for the role. Despite assurances that visual effects could address the age disparity between Gosling and the character of Jack, doubts persisted.

Ryan Gosling was then replaced.

Ultimately, Gosling found himself replaced by Mark Wahlberg, who stepped into the role with characteristics the director wanted. The decision sparked speculation and conflicting stories. Gosling cited creative differences and age considerations, while Walsh remembered a version of events where Gosling himself expressed doubts about his suitability for the role. Ryan later recalled this period as him being “fat and unemployed.”

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding Gosling’s departure, The Lovely Bones proceeded with Wahlberg in the pivotal role of Jack Salmon. The film, while met with mixed reviews, showcased Wahlberg’s versatility as an actor and cemented his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Thankfully, it wasn’t the end of his career.

As for Gosling, the experience served as proof of the unpredictable nature of show business. While he may have missed out on The Lovely Bones, Gosling’s career trajectory remained firm. His standout performances in films like Crazy Stupid Love, Barbie, and La La Land earned him acclaim and awards.

In hindsight, the saga of Ryan Gosling’s indulgence in Häagen-Dazs in pursuit of character authenticity may seem like a footnote in cinematic history. Yet, it speaks volumes about the lengths actors will go to fit their roles and the delicate balance between artistic vision and practical considerations in filmmaking.

So the next time you indulge in a scoop of ice cream, remember the curious tale of Ryan Gosling and his quest for the perfect dad body. After all, in Hollywood, sometimes the road to authenticity is paved with unexpected flavors and unforeseen diversions.