Ryan Gosling, the heartthrob actor of Hollywood who has enchanted global audiences with his performances, is all set to do it again in an untitled stuntman drama for Universal. With MGM Studio now part of the Amazon family, Gosling’s new project marks another momentous stride in the rapidly expanding landscape of digital entertainment.
Gosling, known for his roles in hit movies like “La La Land” and “The Notebook,” joins hands with David Leitch. Leitch, a former stuntman, now blossomed as a successful director, holds credits for major blockbuster films such as “John Wick” and “Deadpool 2.” Collaborating for the first time with Gosling, Leitch will bring forth a unique insight into the world of stuntmen, infusing his firsthand experiences into the movie.
Although the specifics of the new stuntman drama remain under wraps, the movie is based on an original idea from Gosling. The actor-cum-producer will also be donning the hat of a producer alongside Leitch and Kelly McCormick through their company 87North. Furthermore, Drew Pearce, known for scripting “Iron Man 3” and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” has been hired to craft the screenplay of this enthralling project.
Ryan Gosling’s production company, Arcana, has a first-look deal with MGM, which recently got acquired by the e-commerce giant Amazon for a staggering $8.45 billion. This acquisition marks Amazon’s most significant push into the entertainment industry, giving them a deep catalog of films and TV content, and signals a significant change in how movie lovers consume content.
Ever since the pandemic hit, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have reshaped the consumption of entertainment content. Many major Hollywood studios are continuously exploring deals with these platforms, driven by the changing dynamics of the entertainment market.
MGM, with its extensive portfolio which includes the James Bond franchise and popular TV series like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Fargo”, is a significant addition to Amazon’s burgeoning library of original content. This move could potentially reinvent the wheel of online content consumption yet again, as Amazon owns a production company with an extensive back-catalog of famed films and series.
Speaking of the acquisition, Senior Vice President of Amazon Studios, Mike Hopkins, stated that the real financial value behind the deal is the treasure trove of Intellectual Property in the deep catalog that plans to reimagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team.
The pairing of Gosling’s new movie with Amazon and MGM is also a testament to the growing trend of top-tier filmmakers and actors lending their talent to streaming giants. The yet-unnamed movie gives Amazon a high-profile project as they look to bulk up their slate with the help of MGM.
While the Gosling-Leitch project is in its early stages, the stellar team powering it brings a remarkable pedigree. Gosling has consistently proven his mettle as an actor. He bagged an Oscar nomination for his role in “La Land” and was also part of 2017’s Best Picture winner, “The Shape of Water.”
On the other hand, Leitch has been swooping across Hollywood. With a background as a stunt double, he’s delivered on-screen excitement in “John Wick” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.” Together, Gosling and Leitch could bring a never-before-seen perspective to the life and challenges of a stuntman.
Amidst the current digital transformation pace, the entertainment industry is undoubtedly in the midst of exciting times. New alliances are made, and diverse stories are set to emerge on the digital stage. With actors and directors like Gosling and Leitch venturing into the brave new world of digital platforms, one thing is for sure – there are exciting times ahead for movie lovers around the globe.
