Learning to fly was a step too far for Ryan Gosling

RYAN GOSLING says he tried to learn how to fly a plane to play Neil Armstrong — but rapidly realised it was ‘terrible idea’.

The Drive star (pictured), 37, has been talking about his role as the late astronaut and test pilot in new film First Man, which co-stars Claire Foy, 34. It tells of the legendary mission in which Armstrong walked on the moon.

While preparing for the role, Gosling had flying lessons and came to appreciate the extent of Armstrong’s bravery.

As he struggled to nail a controlled stall, he said: ‘I thought in that moment, “This is a terrible idea and there was a reason why Neil Armstrong was destined to be one of the greatest pilots and I’m not.” In that moment, I realised something about Neil.’

Author: Andrei Harmsworth