In 2009, the film adaptation of Alice Sebold's novel "The Lovely Bones" was buzzing with anticipation, not just for its haunting storyline but also for its star-studded cast.
- Saoirse Ronan tells all about 'The Lovely Bones'
- THIS is the reason why Ryan Gosling was fired from it
- They eventually worked together
The Weight of the Role
However, before the cameras could even roll, a major casting shakeup grabbed headlines: Ryan Gosling, initially cast to play the grieving father, was suddenly out, and Mark Wahlberg was in. The reason? A surprising disagreement over the character's weight.
The four-time Oscar nominee reveals that she and Gosling hadn't shot together at the time of his firing, but had "done some prep." Asked if Gosling's firing disoriented her as a young actor, Ronan dismisses the idea, saying she didn't really think of it that way.
"I think I just loved Ryan. And his dog, George," Ronan says. "And I was just sad that, you know, he wasn't gonna be around. But I think the reasons why they parted were totally valid, and I've spoken to both now and it happens. Do you know what I mean? It it's not personal, necessarily. It's like sometimes you're just not on the same page."
Ryan Gosling, known for his dedication to his roles, had a specific vision for his character — a vision that involved gaining 60 pounds. However, this transformation didn't sit well with director Peter Jackson, leading to Gosling's immediate firing on the first day of shooting.
"Then I was fat and unemployed," Gosling quipped in a 2010 interview with 'The Hollywood Reporter', highlighting the abrupt end to his involvement in the project.
Saoirse Ronan, who played the lead role in 'The Lovely Bones,' recently opened up about the incident on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast.
Despite being only 14 at the time, Ronan recalls feeling sad about Gosling's departure, not because of the professional implications but because of the personal connection they had formed during pre-production. "I think I just loved Ryan. And his dog, George," Ronan reminisced, emphasizing that the firing wasn't personal but a matter of creative differences.
Though Gosling's exit from 'The Lovely Bones' was a setback, it wasn't the end of his collaboration with Ronan. The two eventually worked together on Gosling's directorial debut, 'Lost River,' in 2014. Reflecting on their reunion, Ronan expressed joy at working with Gosling again, noting that he hadn't changed a bit.
"It was great then to work with him later," Ronan says. "And, again, he's just, like, the same. He doesn't change."
Also interesting:
'Barbie' director speaks up!
Greta Gerwig Weighs In: Will Ryan Gosling Star In A 'Ken' Spin-Off?
A fun date night!
Rare Sight: Ryan Gosling & Eva Mendes With Daughters At Olympics
Unpacking the drama!
'The Notebook' Director Apologizes For Claiming McAdams-Gosling's Feud
The story of Ryan Gosling's firing from 'The Lovely Bones' is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where creative visions clash, and decisions can seem harsh from the outside. Yet, it also showcases the resilience of actors and their ability to bounce back from setbacks, sometimes leading to unexpected and rewarding collaborations down the line.
