Is Ryan Gosling Becoming Gen Z’s Ideal Movie Star?

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Ryan Gosling has been a well-known actor for over twenty years, and while he’s played many different roles, his on-screen persona often carries certain qualities. He exudes a classic, masculine appeal. He can be charming and funny in romantic comedies, but he always captivates audiences with his quiet intensity. Though he’s proven he can be playfully silly, as seen in The Nice Guys, he’s often remembered for the serious, reserved performance he gave in Drive. That brooding stillness has become a defining characteristic of his work.

Ryan Gosling’s role in Barbie has marked a turning point in his career. He cleverly played Ken by both embracing and playfully mocking his usual on-screen persona, creating a truly memorable performance. This role has redefined how audiences perceive him, allowing him to take on leading roles that are more vulnerable and down-to-earth while still commanding attention.

Interestingly, he’s becoming the type of movie star that today’s younger viewers seem to want.

Gen Z & Gen Alpha Want Hollywood’s Masculine Archetypes To Change, & Ryan Gosling Is Delivering

For decades, Hollywood has favored the strong, quiet leading man, and Ryan Gosling’s success shows this type of character still resonated with audiences until recently. However, a new study from UCLA suggests that’s starting to shift, especially with younger viewers. A survey of 1,500 people aged 10-24 found that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are looking for male characters who are more emotionally connected and expressive. Nearly 60% of those surveyed said they want to see more fathers actively involved in parenting and showing affection, as well as men who are helpful and aren’t afraid to ask for support.

Our survey focused on fathers, but the strong reaction indicates a wider desire for positive male role models. Young people aren’t simply asking for better fathers; they’re hoping for a new vision of how men interact with others. Whether it’s a father figure, mentor, coach, or teacher, the message was clear: for too long, media has portrayed men as either strong and silent providers or distant heroes. Our research shows that constantly presenting men this way overlooks the qualities young people actually appreciate – things like empathy, patience, and emotional openness.

Ryan Gosling used to be known for playing cool, detached heroes, but that image is shifting. While often playing characters lacking control, he’s also become known for portraying vulnerability. His role in The Fall Guy builds on his action star persona, but with a twist. The character, Colt Seavers, is starting from a low point – recovering from an injury and a painful breakup – and is trying to rebuild his career and win back his former partner. What makes the role interesting is that Colt isn’t the typical action hero – even though Ryan Gosling, the actor, clearly is.

Ryan Gosling’s new movie, Project Hail Mary, comes out on March 20th. He plays a teacher unexpectedly tasked with a crucial solo space mission to save the world. Like many of his roles, he’s an ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances. But the trailers suggest this isn’t about typical heroic feats; it’s about relying on his instincts and working with others. The movie highlights the importance of empathy and teamwork for his survival.

Ryan Gosling seems to be hitting on exactly what modern audiences want in a male lead, positioning him as a star they can really connect with. Following the success of Project Hail Mary, he’s now slated to headline a Star Wars film, which will put him in front of a huge audience. Hopefully, that film will showcase the persona he’s been developing.

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2026-02-27 02:09