Ryan Gosling recently shed light on why The Nice Guys didn’t head for a sequel.
In a conversation with ComicBook.com published on Tuesday, April 23, the Barbie star poured his heart out, revealing the film’s underwhelming box office performance helmed the decision.
"So much of a sequel, I think, is decided by the opening weekend of a movie, and we opened up against Angry Birds," he elaborated that the fate of a follow-up movie relies on its opening success.
"So Angry Birds, just, just destroyed us. Angry Birds got a sequel," Gosling lamented. Notably, The Angry Birds Movie 2 premiered in 2019.
Upon its release, the 2016 comedy action faced tough competition from The Angry Birds Movie. Within a week of its debut, the animated film outperformed The Nice Guys at the box office.
Despite positive reviews, the Black Shane-directed film grappled with competing, opening to an estimated $11.3 million compared to the blockbuster’s $39 million domestic opening.
Throughout its box office run, the Warner Bros. movie managed to accumulate approximately $62 million worldwide, falling short of expectations given its $50 million budget.
The Nice Guys also faced competition from other releases, including Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising and the arrival of Marvel's Captain America: Civil War in its third weekend at the box office.