Ryan Gosling's La La Hand – his notably bent wrist in the iconic La La Land poster – has been digitally corrected by Lionsgate for the film's 10th anniversary. The actor had long expressed dissatisfaction with the pose, calling it a haunting reminder of ignoring choreographers' advice. The new poster straightens his wrist, aligning with Gosling's preference.
Why Did Ryan Gosling Hate His La La Hand?
In a 2024 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gosling revealed that the bent wrist pose – which he improvised during filming – haunts him because he didn't realize the dance scene would be used for the poster. He said, “I thought it’d be cool to put my hand like that. Now when I look at it … you know what would have been cooler than that? That,” imitating a straight wrist. He added, “It just killed the energy that way.”
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Comparison: Old Poster vs. New Poster
| Aspect | Old Poster | New Poster |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Gosling's wrist | Bent upward (the “La La Hand”) | Straight, aligned with arm |
| Fan reaction | Loved the quirky, expressive pose | Mixed – some call it “gay erasure” |
| Gosling's approval | Hated it | Approved the fix |
Key Takeaways About the La La Hand Controversy
- Ryan Gosling personally requested the fix after years of discomfort with the pose.
- Lionsgate officially unveiled the corrected poster at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.
- Many fans adored the original bent wrist, viewing it as a symbol of individuality and rebellion against conformity.
- Gosling earlier addressed the issue in a video with his Project Hail Mary co-star, calling it his “Hail Mary attempt” to fix the hand.
- The change sparked debates about artistic intent versus actor preference.
Fan and Internet Reactions
As expected, the internet responded with a mix of humor and outrage. Comments ranged from “This sucks. The gay little wrist ruled” to support for Gosling’s autonomy. The original pose had become a beloved quirk, and its removal felt like erasure to some. However, others argued it was simply the actor's right to correct a personal regret.
Lionsgate executive vice president Justin Manfredi confirmed Gosling approved the new poster. “We let him know and he approved it,” said Manfredi. The studio also included a nod to the controversy with the announcement: “Well, Ryan, you have been heard!”
FAQ
What is the 'La La Hand'?
The La La Hand refers to Ryan Gosling's bent wrist in the original La La Land poster. The actor improvised the pose during filming, and it became a widely discussed feature of the movie's marketing.
Why did Lionsgate change the poster?
Lionsgate changed the poster to honor Ryan Gosling's long-standing wish to fix the pose. The actor called the original wrist position a regret that “haunted” him, so the studio digitally straightened it for the 10th anniversary release.
Are fans upset about the change?
Yes, many fans who loved the original bent wrist as a symbol of individuality felt the correction erased a memorable quirk. However, others supported Gosling's right to revise a personal artistic choice.
The story of the La La Hand highlights how a small detail in a movie poster can spark a global conversation about artistry, celebrity influence, and fan ownership. Whether you loved the original or welcome the fix, it's clear that La La Land continues to capture audiences – one hand at a time.