Ryan Gosling admits that he often thinks about what it would be like to pull a big heist.

The actor stars in crime drama The Place Behind the Pines, which recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

In this feature he portrays a motorcycle stuntman named Luke who contemplates robbing a bank to provide for his wife and child.

Ryan thought playing Luke was a dream role in a lot of ways.

"It's always been a fantasy of mine to rob a bank, but I'm scared of jail!" he told Extra at the thriller's TIFF premiere.

It is rumoured that Ryan may portray leading character Christian Grey in the upcoming film adaptation of the hit novel Fifty Shades of Grey.

When asked whether he is taking on the role, Ryan feigned ignorance.

"I don't what is this book that everyone is talking about? It seems very popular," he laughed.

The Place Beyond the Pines will be released in theatres next year.