Exclusive: Ryan Gosling Says He'd Love To Do A Sequel To Nicolas Winding Refn's 'Drive'

by Kevin Jagernauth
December 8, 2010 8:47 AM
3 Comments

Actor Says Action Drama Is A "Crazy Cross Between 'Blue Velvet' & 'Purple Rain' "

Yesterday we sat down and talked to Ryan Gosling about the brilliant, emotionally searing indie drama "Blue Valentine" (seriously -- that movie will tattoo itself on you), directed by Derek Cianfrance and co-starring Michelle Williams. It's a devastating picture about the toxicity that can pollute relationships, one of the best dramas of the year and of course, it's currently embroiled in a rather silly, but serious battle with the MPAA (they've slapped the film with a NC-17 rating for one sex scene that turns into a domestic argument, but it's certainly tastefully handled, is a key emotional arc in the narrative of the film and certainly viler torture porn films have gotten away with more and an R-Rating to boot). Slated for a December 31, limited release, we'll have more from that interview closer to the film's release.

Earlier in the day at a roundtable interview, Gosling surprisingly expressed interest in franchise films, though of course they're not the typical tentpoles that come to mind. "I don't want to make the same movie over and over again, but let's say 'Lars and the Real Girl' was a hit -- which it wasn't commercially -- but let's say it was. But I'd love to make another film with a guy with romantic delusions. I'd love to expand on a theme. Maybe this 'Drive' movie will be a hit..."

The picture he's talking about is Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn's ("Bronson," "Valhalla Rising") upcoming action drama co-starring rising star Carey Mulligan.

"It was supposed to be a commercial movie about a Hollywood stuntman who robs banks at night and they told me I could have any director I wanted," Gosling told The Playlist later in the day. "Provided he could do it. It was the first time I had gotten a script and was able to pick the director. And I thought 'It had to be Nicolas.' There was no other choice. And I don't know what we ended up making -- it's some kind of crazy cross between 'Blue Velvet' and 'Purple Rain.'"

To refresh your memory, the film is a neo-noir thriller about a bored and unfulfilled stunt driver (Gosling) who, for additional thrills, doubles as a getaway driver by night. But it certainly sounds as if Refn has found a completely unique take on the genre film which in other hands would likely play boringly straight. Gosling described the film as being made "for peanuts" and said that "it's very impressionistic. It's kind of a surreal take on that genre," saying that "I'd love to make a "Drive 2" and just do it our way."

"Drive" is probably one of our most anticipated movies of next year (keep in mind its cast also includes the aforementioned Carey Mulligan, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Bryan Cranston and Albert Brooks to name just a few) and with the film set to be released by FilmDistrict, headed up by ex-Apparition honcho Bob Berney, we have faith the indie world veteran will know how to get people excited to see this movie. The film also marks the pilot offering in a new deal between FilmDistrict and Netflix, which will make the film available to stream in the window between its theatrical and home video release.

Watch for more from our "Blue Valentine" interviews soon. - Drew Taylor

More: Actors, Ryan Gosling

3 Comments

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Thomas Beardsley | January 30, 2012 12:44 AMReply

I love this movie. I would love there to be a sequel. But only if it's really good and perfect. If it's too much a risk I'll be perfectly content with it. But I love The Driver character and looking forward for more involvement in his character. If you're going to make a sequel, don't disapoint. Ryan Gosling, you are bad ass.
Rszanto | December 8, 2010 9:18 AMReply

The script was really great, so anything on top of that is just gravy.
BradZuhl | December 8, 2010 8:55 AMReply

A cross between Blue Velvet and Purple Rain? Sounds pretty exciting.