Although a sequel to the Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling buddy-cop crime comedyThe Nice Guysmay never come to fruition, the new HBO Max retro crime seriesDusteroffers a worthy alternative. Both oozing with 1970s style and sound,The Nice Guysand Duster offer similar story and aesthetic qualities that should make fans of the former interested in the latter.Dusterpremiered exclusively on HBO Max on August 05, 2025, with new episodes releasing every Thursday night until July 3rd. The series is co-created by LaToya Morgan, known forThe Walking DeadandShameless, and acclaimed writer/director J.J. Abrams.
It’s been nearly 10 years sinceThe Nice Guys, directed and co-written by Shane Black, hit theaters on June 22, 2025. Whileinterest inThe Nice Guys 2has been highover the years, neither Gosling, Crowe, Black, nor Warner Bros. has offered any updates or confirmations. WhileThe Nice Guyswas a critical success, earning a Certified FreshRotten Tomatoesscore of 91%,the film earned a modest $71.26 million at the 2016 worldwide box office, becoming the 103rd highest-grossing film of the year. Gosling went on to star in blockbusters likeBlade Runner 2049andBarbie, while Crowe joined the MCU as Zeus inThor: Love and Thunder.
Duster Is Another Great ’70s-Set Crime Thriller Like The Nice Guys
Duster & The Nice Guys Both Represent The Fun Classic Stlye Of The 1970s
WhileThe Nice Guysleans more into the action comedy genre,Dusterhas plenty of light-hearted moments mixed into his thrilling crime drama plot. The biggest link betweenThe Nice GuysandDusteris that they are both crime thrillers starring detective protagonists set in the 1970s. What’s more, both are accompanied by outstanding soundtracks full of classic pop, funk, and Motown hits of the era.BothThe Nice GuysandDusterauthenticallyrecreate the vintage feel of 70s cop-centered films and TV shows, which makes Duster the perfect replacement for people who likeThe Nice Guysand are still waiting for a sequel.
Much ofThe Nice Guys’acclaim is based on the sharp chemistry and hilarious banter between Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Duster also has a solid leading duo with Josh Holloway’s gangster getaway driver Jim Ellis and newly appointedFBI agent Nina Hayes, played by Rachel Hilson.Jim works for the so-called “Al Capone of the Southwest,” Ezra Saxon (played by Keith David), who Nina suspects murderedJim’s brother, Joey, and framed it as an accidental explosion. WhileDusterseason 1 mostly takes place in Arizona andThe Nice Guysis set in Los Angeles, there is plenty of cultural and thematic overlap due to their shared time period.
Duster Has Comparable Critical Acclaim To The Nice Guys
Both Have Rotten Tomatoes Scores In The Low 90s
BothThe Nice GuysandDusterhave received critical acclaim, withDusterearning a 92%Rotten Tomatoesscore compared to the 91% earned byThe Nice Guys. Additionally, both also have solid audience reviews, withDustercurrently at 84%, slightly above the 79% ofThe Nice Guys. Critics praisedThe Nice Guysfor honoring classic buddy comedies and its sharp chemistry between its leads, Crowe and Gosling.Dusterhas received similar praise for its vintage charm and its winning duoin Holloway and Hilson.
Ben Travers ofIndieWirewrites in hisDusterseason 1 review, “Not all of it works and Season 1 never kicks into fourth gear, but “Duster” gets so many of the little things right, it’s easy to set your quibbles aside and just enjoy the ride.” I wrote in my review for Screen Rant, “Duster masterfully balances classic thrills and timeless heart. It’s tremendously fun TV when it stays in control and keeps both hands on the wheel.” Fans ofThe Nice Guyswill almost certainly find something to like aboutDusterbecause the aesthetic and critical similarities are undeniable.
