Ryan Gosling's Unconventional Praise for London's Fox Population
In a surprising turn on BBC Radio 1 this week, Hollywood star Ryan Gosling, 45, shared what he dubbed an 'unpopular opinion' about the foxes roaming London's streets. During Greg James's popular segment, the Canadian actor, known for roles in Barbie and La La Land, expressed admiration for the city's furry inhabitants, calling them 'cool as hell' and lamenting that they are not celebrated enough by residents.
Gosling's Inspirational Take on Urban Wildlife
Gosling elaborated on his stance, stating, 'I think they are such an inspiration. They were hunted, and now they have free rein of the city. They just eat whatever they want; they take the trash. They’re like celebrities in a hotel room.' His comments left host Greg James visibly taken aback, with James declaring it an 'incredible' unpopular opinion. The actor went further, suggesting that foxes should 'be on all the merch,' envisioning souvenir T-shirts depicting them leaning against Big Ben while wearing monocles and top hats.
Public Reaction and Social Media Debate
Following the interview, a clip shared on social media ignited a flurry of responses. Emma-Jane Dundas countered, 'This tells me Ryan has not heard foxes at it at 3am when you have to be up early for work,' highlighting the nuisance some associate with nocturnal fox noises. In contrast, Kelly Kilfeather supported Gosling, commenting, 'So true. We need them on our bank notes,' while Helen Dixon joked, 'Love him even more now.' Others pointed out that foxes are 'still hunted' in some forms, referencing trail hunting, which remains legal in the UK despite fox hunting being banned for over two decades.
Gosling's London Life and Career Moves
Gosling's affinity for London's wildlife may stem from his recent relocation to the city. Last year, he moved to Hampstead with his longtime partner, Eva Mendes, 52, and their daughters, Esmerelda and Amada Lee, from Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, while filming Star Wars: Starfighter. Directed by Shawn Levy and set for release in May 2027, the sci-fi film also stars Amy Adams, Matt Smith, and Mia Goth. The A-list couple has reportedly caused a stir locally, with parents at school gates 'drooling over him,' as noted by a source to the London Evening Standard.
This isn't Gosling's first stint in London; he previously lived in Notting Hill while filming Project Hail Mary, an adventure flick due for release later this month. In the film, he plays Ryland Grace, a character who awakens on an interstellar spacecraft with amnesia. Early reviews praise his performance, with Metro's Asyia Iftikhar highlighting his 'punchy comedic timing' and 'effortless charm.'
Broader Implications and Cultural Context
Gosling's comments tap into broader discussions about urban wildlife and conservation in London. Foxes have become a common sight in the capital, often sparking mixed feelings among residents. While some view them as pests, others, like Gosling, see them as resilient symbols of nature thriving in an urban environment. His call for more celebration reflects a growing trend of appreciating local fauna, though it also underscores ongoing debates about wildlife management and hunting practices in the UK.
As Gosling continues to make London his home, his outspoken views may influence public perception, adding a celebrity voice to conversations about biodiversity and city living. Whether his opinion remains 'unpopular' or gains traction, it certainly has people talking about the foxes in their midst.
