A decade after its release, the cinematic gem *La La Land* is making a comeback, and this time, a long-standing visual faux pas has been rectified. The film’s iconic poster featuring Ryan Gosling has been subtly altered for its 10th anniversary, ensuring that his hand now matches the upward gesture of co-star Emma Stone’s. This small change encapsulates a journey of self-reflection for Gosling, who has openly critiqued the original pose.
A Long-Awaited Fix
When *La La Land* first graced the silver screen in 2016, it was met with both box office triumph and critical acclaim. The film, directed by Damien Chazelle, follows the romantic entanglement of aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) as they navigate their dreams in Los Angeles. However, a seemingly innocuous detail from its promotional material became a source of embarrassment for Gosling—his hand position in the original poster.
The alteration, revealed in an Instagram post that teased the re-release, shows Gosling’s hand now pointing skyward, mirroring Stone’s pose. In the original artwork, his hand was displayed flat, a gesture that Gosling himself has since deemed awkward. Reflecting on the infamous pose, he humorously dubbed it the “La La Hand” and lamented that it “killed the energy” of the image—an unintended consequence that fans have now rallied around.
A Humble Admission
In a candid interview with *The Wall Street Journal*, Gosling referred to himself as “Hamburger Hands Gosling,” acknowledging the awkwardness of his posture. Despite having some prior dance experience, he admitted that it did little to enhance his performance or the promotional imagery. “At the time, I thought it would look cool,” he said, but as time passed, he realised the faux pas was simply too glaring to ignore.
In a playful attempt to amend his previous blunder, Gosling recently recreated the pose alongside Rocky, his alien co-star from the film *Project Hail Mary*. The amusing reenactment was shared by his partner, Eva Mendes, who noted that the “La La Hand” had become one of Gosling’s “great regrets.” She expressed her support for his effort to “finally make things right,” demonstrating the light-hearted approach the actor has taken towards his earlier misstep.
What Lies Ahead
The newly edited poster has been met with delight from fans, eager to celebrate the beloved musical once more. *La La Land* is poised for a re-release in US cinemas on 16 August and in UK theatres on 28 August, reigniting interest in its enchanting score and compelling narrative. The film’s previous accolades include best actress for Stone and best director for Chazelle at the 2017 Oscars, where it was mistakenly announced as best picture before *Moonlight* was revealed as the actual winner.
As the re-release draws near, audiences are reminded of the film’s profound impact on modern cinema—its blend of nostalgia, artistry, and emotional depth continues to resonate.
Why it Matters
This playful correction serves as a reminder that even the most polished productions can have their imperfections. Gosling’s willingness to acknowledge and rectify his earlier mistake has not only entertained fans but also highlighted the importance of self-deprecation and growth in the public eye. As *La La Land* returns to cinemas, it invites both old fans and new viewers to rediscover its magic—now, with an added touch of authenticity.
