Ryan Gosling is set to return to the sci-fi genre with his leading part in the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for release in 2027. Known for avoiding large franchises throughout his career, Gosling revealed that his decision to accept the Ryan Gosling Star Wars role stemmed from director Shawn Levy’s passion and the film’s script rather than the franchise’s long-standing reputation.
The Career Path That Led to Starfighter
Ryan Gosling has earned acclaim for his performances in independent and critically praised films such as Half Nelson, Blue Valentine, Drive, and La La Land. Although he has appeared in big projects like Blade Runner 2049 and Barbie, those movies were helmed by esteemed directors Denis Villeneuve and Greta Gerwig, and were not part of expansive cinematic universes. Gosling has historically declined many franchise offers, firmly choosing projects that felt authentic and fulfilling.
In fact, Gosling was considered for roles in several superhero franchises. In 2014, both Marvel Studios and DC Films approached him to join their shared universe projects slated for 2016. Among these was the chance to portray Doctor Strange, a role that eventually went to Benedict Cumberbatch. Warner Bros. also offered Gosling the Joker role in Suicide Squad, which he declined, leading to Jared Leto’s casting. Additionally, Gosling showed interest in playing Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, potentially as a nod to his wife Eva Mendes’s appearance in the 2007 Ghost Rider film.
What Drew Gosling to the Star Wars Universe
For years, Ryan Gosling carefully avoided joining well-known franchises, but Star Wars: Starfighter changed that. Speaking about his involvement, Gosling stated,
“It was Shawn’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script. And I just avoided these things because they never felt right. And I’m glad I did because I feel like, [similar to] a book like this, [it was] worth waiting for. And it is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
– Ryan Gosling, Actor
The guidance of director Shawn Levy, recognized for his work on Deadpool and Wolverine, convinced Gosling that this project was different from others in big franchises he had previously passed on. Levy’s commitment to the script and his creative approach created a unique opportunity that resonated with Gosling, leading to his first major franchise role.
Details About Star Wars: Starfighter
The plot of Starfighter remains mostly under wraps, but it is set five years after the conclusion of The Rise of Skywalker, marking the first film to explore the Star Wars storyline following the sequel trilogy. Gosling will portray a mentor figure to a young boy, potentially his nephew, played by Flynn Gray. The supporting cast includes notable names such as Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Amy Adams, Jamael Westman, Simon Bird, and Daniel Igns.
The film is envisioned as a standalone story within the broader Star Wars universe, but with such an expansive galaxy, there is room for Gosling to return in future installments. If Starfighter performs well at the box office, Ryan Gosling could become a recurring presence in the franchise.
Reception and Future Prospects for the Franchise
Starfighter is slated to premiere on May 27, 2027. Recent reports indicate that Disney insiders have expressed concerns about the commercial success of The Mandalorian and Grogu projects. However, those same sources have praised Star Wars: Starfighter, noting that Shawn Levy
“recaptured the franchise’s spirit of fun.”
This positive outlook from executives signals strong support behind the film, despite the uncertainty surrounding the Star Wars brand’s current trajectory. Starfighter’s reception could play a critical role in shaping the future of the franchise and determining whether Gosling’s Star Wars character becomes a consistent figure moving forward, a first for the actor in any franchise setting.
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