The prospective inclusion of Ryan Gosling in a significant role for the 2009 film “The Lovely Bones” underwent an unexpected revision, leading to the actor’s subsequent ascent as a prominent figure in the film industry. Adapted from Alice Sebold’s 2002 novel of the same title, “The Lovely Bones” narrates the harrowing tale of a young girl’s brutal demise and her ensuing afterlife, observing her family grapple with the repercussions of her tragic death. While the film elicited mixed reviews, garnering praise for its portrayal of the afterlife and central performances, critiques surfaced concerning its equivocal tone, perceived as squandering the potential of a formidable cast.
The cast, particularly Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci, is frequently acknowledged as the film’s highlights. However, the cinematic landscape could have unfolded differently, as Ryan Gosling was initially cast in a pivotal role. The circumstances surrounding Gosling’s replacement are intricate, with conflicting narratives from both the filmmakers and Gosling himself. Although “The Lovely Bones” may not be heralded among Ryan Gosling’s most distinguished works, it holds the potential to have significantly influenced the trajectory of his Hollywood career.
Initially designated to portray Jack Salmon, a character central to the emotional depth of “The Lovely Bones,” Gosling’s envisioned role encompasses the father of Susie Salmon, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan. Jack becomes deeply immersed in unraveling the mystery surrounding his daughter’s tragic demise, demanding a profound emotional spectrum as the character traverses the intricate terrain of grief, obsession, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. Gosling’s involvement in such a film could have served as a testament to his versatility, depicting a father’s profound heartbreak and unwavering determination.
Examining Ryan Gosling’s career trajectory, he had commenced the establishment of his identity as a versatile actor with the 2004 romantic success, “The Notebook.” Further, his participation in the poignant drama “Half Nelson” and indie comedy “Lars and the Real Girl” underscored his capacity to transition from charismatic romantic leads to embodying more intricate, nuanced characters. A supporting role in “The Lovely Bones” would have constituted a notable milestone. Despite this alteration, Gosling’s career experienced sustained prosperity, characterized by diverse roles ranging from musicals like “La La Land” to action crime films like “Drive,” underscoring his adaptability and steadfast commitment to challenging cinematic endeavors. Additionally, he assumed the role of Ken in the highest-grossing film of 2023, “Barbie.”
Two conflicting narratives surround Ryan Gosling’s casting in “The Lovely Bones,” both converging on the same outcome. Initially adopting a more diplomatic stance in earlier discussions about his dismissal, Gosling later attributed his abrupt termination to a significant weight gain. In an interview with THR, he asserted that he believed the character Jack Salmon “should be 210 pounds” and, in pursuit of this vision, consumed melted Häagen-Dazs ice cream whenever thirsty, resulting in a 60-pound weight gain.
The intricate demands of the fantasy drama’s preproduction, under the direction of Peter Jackson, were so rigorous that individual attention to actors was a luxury. When Gosling appeared on set having gained the stipulated weight, Jackson expressed dissatisfaction. Discrepancies in Gosling’s weight gain and the actor’s interpretation of Jack Salmon’s appearance, coupled with time constraints, led to his dismissal. Gosling remarked, “We didn’t talk very much during the preproduction process, which was the problem. It was a huge movie, and there’s so many things to deal with, and he couldn’t deal with the actors individually. I just showed up on set, and I had gotten it wrong. Then I was fat and unemployed.”
In contrast, Fran Walsh, a writer and producer on “The Lovely Bones” and Peter Jackson’s partner, presents a divergent perspective on Gosling’s departure. According to Walsh, the 26-year-old actor harbored anxiety about portraying a grieving father at his age. Despite assurances from the filmmakers that age could be adjusted through techniques like hair thinning, Gosling’s discomfort allegedly intensified. Ultimately, he was replaced by Mark Wahlberg, a decade his senior. Irrespective of which version aligns more closely with reality, starring in “The Lovely Bones” could have substantially altered Ryan Gosling’s career trajectory.