Amazon MGM’s Action-Comedy Promises Comeback for Ferrell, Fresh Laughs from Gosling,
Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell are set to team up for Tough Guys, an action-comedy being developed by Amazon MGM Studios. The film marks a promising collaboration between two actors known for very different approaches to comedy—Ferrell’s wild, off-the-wall humor and Gosling’s subtle, deadpan timing. While the two were both part of the ensemble cast of Barbie, Tough Guys will finally bring them together on screen, and both are also expected to serve as producers on the project.
According to multiple media reports, Tough Guys is being developed from a spec script written by Workin’ Moms writer Daniel Gold. The story revolves around two veteran henchmen who, fed up with their disposable status in the criminal underworld, decide to break free and start anew. Their attempt to go straight, however, is anything but easy, as they soon find themselves on the run from a deadly assassin hired by their former boss. With a mix of absurdity, action, and character-driven comedy, the project seems perfectly tailored to the strengths of both Gosling and Ferrell.
Henchmen on the Run: Plot Overview
The official logline teases a blend of high-octane action and self-aware humor: “Fed up with being ‘disposable,’ two henchmen break free from the criminal underworld and rewrite the rules as they abandon their ruthless boss and dodge the elite assassin on their trail.” It’s a buddy comedy with a twist—exploring the lives of background characters who usually die early in action films.
This time, the henchmen are the protagonists, and their journey from cannon-fodder to heroes offers fertile ground for satire and redemption arcs. The plot suggests both actors will have room to flex their comedic muscles while also navigating a story that dips into genre-bending territory.
A Personal Project for Gosling and Ferrell
Ryan Gosling was reportedly the one who championed the script and brought Will Ferrell on board. Gosling will produce the film alongside Jessie Henderson via their General Admission banner. Ferrell, meanwhile, will co-produce with Jessica Elbaum under the Gloria Sanchez label, continuing a long-running creative partnership that includes projects like Will & Harper and Quiz Lady. Trevor Engelson and Aaron Folbe of Underground are also attached as executive producers.
Gosling’s enthusiasm for the project comes at a time when he’s expanding his presence at Amazon MGM Studios. His upcoming sci-fi tentpole Project Hail Mary is already generating buzz ahead of its March 20, 2026 release. A trailer for the film dropped last week, and Gosling is expected to promote it heavily at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H panel.
Ferrell is also familiar territory for Amazon MGM. He recently headlined the studio’s comedy You’re Cordially Invited and is working with director Nicholas Stoller on another project. His production label Gloria Sanchez has been instrumental in reshaping his recent career, moving from mainstream studio comedies to more personal and diverse comedic ventures.
Ferrell’s Quest for a Comeback
It’s no secret that Will Ferrell’s box office power has waned over the last decade. Since Step Brothers (2008), which remains a cult classic, many of his follow-up films failed to resonate with audiences. Titles like Holmes & Watson (2018) and Downhill (2020) received lukewarm receptions, prompting questions about whether his signature comedic style still holds up in today’s landscape.
But Tough Guys might just be the project to change that. By teaming up with a younger and currently bankable star like Gosling, Ferrell may find a bridge between his classic absurdist tone and more modern sensibilities. The script’s mix of action, character-driven arcs, and ironic humor could offer Ferrell a fresh sandbox—without asking him to abandon his roots entirely.
Gosling’s Comedy Hot Streak
Ryan Gosling, best known for his dramatic performances in films like Drive, Blue Valentine, and Blade Runner 2049, has been slowly redefining himself as a versatile comedic actor. His turn in Shane Black’s The Nice Guys (2016) showcased impeccable timing and slapstick sensibility, while his performance as Ken in Barbie earned him widespread acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In Tough Guys, Gosling appears ready to double down on his comedic reinvention. His dynamic with Ferrell—combining Gosling’s cool detachment with Ferrell’s chaotic energy—could offer the kind of opposites-attract duo that has fueled many memorable action comedies.
No Director Yet, but the Buzz Is Real
At this stage, no director has been attached to Tough Guys, and no release date has been announced. With both stars having full slates—Gosling is set to begin production on Star Wars: Starfighter this fall, and Ferrell has upcoming projects with Zac Efron and Nicholas Stoller—the timeline for Tough Guys remains uncertain. It could target a late 2026 release or potentially shift into 2027, depending on production schedules.
Despite the early stage of development, industry buzz is already growing. The concept alone is a compelling hook, and the combination of these two actors—each at very different career junctures—makes Tough Guys one of the most intriguing comedy projects in the works.
Amazon MGM Studios’ Comedy Strategy
Amazon MGM Studios has been strategically investing in star-driven comedies with unique premises. From Eddie Murphy’s Candy Cane Lane to recent hits like The Idea of You, the studio is carving out a niche in delivering theatrical-level comedies on both streaming and big screens. Backing a project like Tough Guys—with two high-profile names and an irreverent script—signals their continued interest in making high-concept comedy a priority in their post-MGM acquisition strategy.
Can Tough Guys Hit the Sweet Spot?
Tough Guys has all the ingredients to become a breakout comedy: an original premise, a sharp script, and a high-profile pairing of stars with contrasting comedic styles. For Will Ferrell, it could be the long-awaited comeback that reminds audiences why he was once comedy’s undisputed king. For Ryan Gosling, it’s another step in his ongoing transformation into a multi-genre powerhouse.
While the road to production may still be long, the early momentum and studio support suggest that Tough Guys is more than just a fun idea—it’s a film that could reshape the trajectories of both its stars and help Amazon MGM solidify its place in the modern comedy space.
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