When the news leaked this morning that Ryan Gosling might star in Disney's Haunted Mansion , everyone was understandably thrilled. Like, falling out of their chairs, peeing their pants with excitement thrilled. Because if there are two things that most people on this planet reliably love, it's Disney and Ryan Gosling. They're maintaining a slight, but steady, lead over ice cream and Netflix, which are in third and fourth place, respectively. Haunted Mansion will be based on the Disneyland ride of the same name, since that strategy went so well with Pirates of the Caribbean, and it will be directed by Guillermo del Toro, who, according to The Hollywood Reporter, has been quietly working to make it happen since 2010.
For their part, Disney has reportedly been meeting with Gosling for months trying to find a project to collaborate on, so this would be a pretty perfect overlapping of interests. And del Toro and Gosling have a preexisting friendship going on, as they spent Oscar weekend this past February going on rides together at Disneyland — including Haunted Mansion.
But all this talk about Gosling starring in a Disney film has got me thinking about other Disney roles he should play. Specifically in animated Disney classics, because I'm a traditional gal, and there are only so many times I want to see a two-hour-plus movie based on a roller coaster.
So here they are, folks, the Disney roles I'd like to see Ryan Gosling take on next. Right after he takes on the very crucial role of "boyfriend to all of us," which he's really been neglecting.
John Smith from Pocahontas
Let's just start this out with a leading male hunk, because DUH. And John Smith even looks like Gosling, so this couldn't be a more obvious choice. Add to that the fact that this role was originally voiced by Mel Gibson, and so is clearly in dire need of an update, and that's a wrap.
Simba from The Lion King
No offense to Jonathan Taylor Thomas, but America has a new boyfriend now, and it's Ryan Gosling. Let him be the voice of the cartoon lion please.
Gaston from Beauty and the Beast
Would love to see Gosling as a big dumb idiot! I feel like that's a role he doesn't often (or ever?) get to play, so I'd be really interested to see what he did with it.
Hans from Frozen
Gosling hasn't really gotten to play a smarmy guy of late, instead falling into the earnest and lovable roles. It'd be great to see him be duplicitous as Hans! Especially since it would also explain why Anna falls in love with him so fast. How could you not? Keeping my fingers crossed for a live-action remake.
Flounder from The Little Mermaid
What, you thought I'd want him to be Prince Eric? He of no personality, heir to the Vanilla Throne? Get real. Flounder brings way more to the table.
Tarzan from Tarzan
He already has the all-but-Photoshopped abs, might as well put them to good use.
Dodger from Oliver and Company
Ryan Gosling as a rakish, devil-may care cartoon dog WITH A HOT DOG SCARF? Where do I sign???
Hades from Hercules
MORE VILLAIN PLEASE AND THANK YOU. I think this one would be a stretch for Gosling, but that he'd ultimately pull it off.
Stitch from Lilo and Stitch
Honestly if I could just hear Ryan Gosling's voice do those adorable little growls and squeaks as that weird alien, I would die happy.
Images: Giphy (9)
