Nearly a decade after Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling lit up the screen in their celebrated action-comedy collaboration, updates about a potential follow-up remain a subject of intense curiosity. With the
“Russell Crowe Nice Guys sequel update and status”
continuing to draw fan interest, recent remarks from screenwriter Shane Black shed new light on what’s standing in the way and what could still be possible.
Why ‘The Nice Guys’ Endures Nearly Ten Years After Release
Premiering in 2016, “The Nice Guys” brought together two Hollywood powerhouses in a film that paid homage to a rich tradition of buddy action comedies. Praised by critics and audiences alike, the film earned an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 79% approval from moviegoers. The movie’s narrative follows Holland March, played by Ryan Gosling, a struggling private investigator in 1977 Los Angeles, and Jackson Healy, portrayed by Russell Crowe, who uses his muscle for hire. Their partnership begins against the backdrop of a mysterious disappearance of Amelia, played by Margaret Qualley, launching them into a dangerous investigation that explores the shadowy corners of the city.
Audiences were drawn to the chemistry between Crowe and Gosling, along with the film’s sharp writing and stylized evocation of classic capers. In the years since its release, calls for a sequel have only grown stronger, especially as both lead actors have continued to enjoy high profiles in Hollywood. The film’s unique blend of humor, action, and period detail set it apart, making the possibility of a second installment particularly appealing for fans of the genre.
Current Progress and the Roadblocks Facing ‘The Nice Guys 2’
Interest in a sequel has remained high, but the most recent and direct information came from Shane Black himself, the original movie’s screenwriter. During a bonus interview included in the Second Sight Films 4K edition, Black candidly addressed the complicated reality standing in the way of a sequel’s production.
“I know the rights situation on ‘The Nice Guys’ is a bit difficult. Joel [Silver]’s a producer, Warner Bros. is the distributor, there’s an oversees company that Ken Kao is a producer on. So to carve it out and make sure — in other words, can you make the sequel? Yes. Will it be financially feasible once you pay off everyone involved, including the actors getting their bump? That’s the problem, you’re gonna present something that the actors have to agree to, that’s a good script, and that is going to be very expensive and the studio’s going to say, ‘Well, didn’t the last one sort of bomb at the theaters?’ And you say, ‘Yeah, but we want you to spend twice as much on this one anyway to get everyone back.’”
—Shane Black, screenwriter
The complex web of production companies, producers, and distribution rights is not the only challenge. Black pointed out the studio’s concern over the box office performance of the first film, which, despite critical acclaim, struggled to break out commercially. The financial realities mean that not only would the principal actors require higher salaries, but the considerable number of stakeholders would drive production costs even higher. These factors significantly dampen prospects for moving forward on “The Nice Guys 2” any time soon, if at all.
What Direction Could a Sequel Take According to the Filmmakers?
Though immediate plans seem stalled, Black provided some insight into the creative direction a sequel might explore. He described his storytelling philosophy and possible ideas that could shape the next chapter in the series.
“The sequel was going to be any number of things, because ultimately, I come from the time where I used to read about a character named Shell Scott in a series of books by Richard Prather, and the character was so great. The capers changed, but you bought it for the character. So it doesn’t really matter what the caper would be in the next movie. We’d find something. We had an idea that they go down to Mexico together and we’d set the whole thing south of the border. That was one notion, but we could just as easily have done something else. But once we got those two together and we decided to ‘all systems go,’ there was certainly a script to be had. I still look forward to one day writing that with Anthony.”
—Shane Black, screenwriter
According to Black, a sequel would focus primarily on the strong chemistry between the two leads, rather than being tied to a specific plot formula. He cited classic detective fiction that prioritized compelling protagonists over a fixed series of cases. At one point, the idea of sending the mismatched pair on a new adventure to Mexico was considered, setting the story in a fresh location while retaining the character-driven dynamic at its core. Despite the creative road not yet taken, it’s clear that the possibility of reuniting Crowe and Gosling continues to inspire those involved.
Cast Members Who Made ‘The Nice Guys’ Stand Out
Central to the film’s appeal were memorable performances by Ryan Gosling as Holland March and Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy, creating a dynamic duo for the ages. Margaret Qualley’s turn as Amelia played a pivotal narrative role, with Ty Simpkins also appearing as part of a supporting cast that contributed to the film’s atmosphere and style. Their combined efforts helped to secure the movie’s reputation as a standout entry among modern action comedies.
Outlook for Fans Hoping for More
Despite the evident hurdles, hope remains alive that “The Nice Guys” could return for a sequel, especially given the enduring popularity of Ryan Gosling and the proven drawing power of Russell Crowe in the right project. The willingness of Shane Black to keep imagining new stories, paired with ongoing interest at the grassroots level, means there’s always a chance for Hollywood surprises. With so many variables at play—from rights issues to financial considerations—the future is uncertain, but for many devoted followers, the door is not yet closed on a return to the witty, dangerous world of March and Healy.
