Sylvester Stallone, for the better part of the last century, has defined the action genre in the film industry. Not only did he showcase how heroes can be chiseled, sculpted masses of muscle but can be extremely vulnerable and emotionally wounded. And nothing holds more true than his extremely famous Rambo franchise.
Rambo is one of the longest-running action franchises in the world, with its first movie premiering in 1982 to the last installment released in 2019. The tale of the broken one-man-army Vietnam war veteran has inspired not just Americans but millions of people across the world. And so to have it back is a lifelong dream of every Stallone fan. While Stallone would not likely return, the actor has pitched Barbie star Ryan Gosling as the perfect contender if a Rambo remake is ever made.
Sylvester Stallone Wants Ryan Gosling to be Rambo
A literal lethal war machine, Rambo is a character we all grew up watching and loving. While he might be considered troublesome and controversial among some groups today due to the social commentary nature of the franchise, in fiction, there has hardly been as grittier and vulnerable a character.
From being a Vietnam war veteran who feels regret, guilt, shame, and anger to turning into an Avenging hero, Rambo has for long been understood as a symbol of American nationalism (see Esquire and Medium).
And so, hardcore fans of Sylvester Stallone have since 2019 wished to see their hero back on the silver screen. While it might be hard for him to come back the actor pitched Barbie star Ryan Gosling as the potential contender during his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The actor revealed how he had met Gosling once for dinner and discovered how big of a fan he was of the titular character. And so he wants to pass the baton to him because of his love for Rambo. And here are two reasons why fans should not dismiss Stallone nominating the Golden Globe-winning actor for the role.
2 Reasons That Make Ryan Gosling The Best Next Rambo
Now we all know that vulnerability and emotional quotient play a vital role in the popularity of a character like Rambo. It was also pretty much one of the first times when the audiences understood and saw what war veterans suffered from and related to them. Yet the second movie drastically changed the character from a broken war machine to a killing machine, which fans disliked (see Reddit).
With subsequent movies, the character went on to evolve into a less relatable character. And so with Ryan Gosling taking over the character, seeing his impressive acting range, he can effortlessly keep Rambo a more vulnerable and grounded character. Beyond a traumatized war veteran, Gosling can make him a protagonist that everyone empathizes with and relates with, while still keeping his action-hero element alive.
Hence, with his impressive acting skills, Gosling can bring a new depth to the character, adding more layers to his personality, and making the audience feel more invested in his journey.
First Blood was a critical success not only because of its explosive scenes and vulnerability but also majorly because of the dramatic flare that Stallone brought to the role. This gave the movie an edge, setting it apart from the other action movies of that time. So secondly, Gosling as Rambo can keep the dramatic elements of the character alive and bring about more intensity to the role.
All in all, with Sylvester Stallone’s blessing and Gosling’s impressive acting range, it’s tough to not get excited about the potential of a Ryan Gosling-starrer Rambo remake.
Meanwhile, the Rambo franchise can be rented on Google Play.
