“Ryan Gosling’s Wrist Sparks Controversy in ‘La La Land’ Re-Release”

The buzz surrounding the approaching 10th anniversary of Damien Chazelle’s musical romantic-comedy “La La Land” is not centered on its acclaimed cinematography or the unforgettable ending, but rather on a peculiar detail – Ryan Gosling’s wrist. Lionsgate Studios recently revealed a new poster for the celebratory re-release of the movie, addressing an aspect that has been a source of mild distress for Gosling.

During a 2024 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gosling expressed a desire to revisit his role as jazz pianist Sebastian Wilder, particularly a scene where he made a distinctive choice with his hand positioning that ended up on the movie poster. Gosling admitted that he had opted for a hand gesture that he believed was stylish, despite advice to the contrary. However, he now acknowledges that his unconventional pose may have detracted from the scene’s impact.

The updated poster showcases a modified version of Gosling’s pose, aligning more closely with Emma Stone’s arm and hand positioning. Lionsgate playfully acknowledged Gosling’s concerns in a press release accompanying the new poster, indicating that they had taken his feedback into account.

Justin Manfredi, Lionsgate’s executive vice-president of worldwide television marketing, mentioned that Gosling was consulted and approved of the pose adjustment, indicating his satisfaction with the change. However, not all fans share Gosling’s perspective, as some expressed disappointment on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, arguing that the original mismatched poses better conveyed the essence of the film.