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Ryan Gosling, a three-time Oscar nominee, has carved out a distinct path in Hollywood without committing to long-running franchises—until now. He recently revealed why taking on the Star Wars: Starfighter project, directed by Shawn Levy, felt unlike any other franchise opportunity he had encountered. The film production began last fall and is slated for release in theaters on May 28, 2027.
What Sets Starfighter Apart From Other Franchise Films
Starfighter is a standalone film, set five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Written by Jonathan Tropper, it features a cast including Gosling, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, Flynn Gray, and Amy Adams. This film exists separately from the Skywalker saga, marking a fresh narrative direction within the Star Wars universe.
Gosling shared his thoughts on what drew him to this project:
It was Shawn’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script,
Gosling told io9.
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.
Gosling’s Experience and Views on the Film
Having portrayed iconic roles such as Ken in Barbie (2023) and starred opposite Harrison Ford in Blade Runner 2049, Gosling has never revisited a single character more than once. Despite Lucasfilm’s trend of recurring characters, this new role in Starfighter may represent a rare exception. He praised the film’s story and direction, stating that it contains
“such a great story with great and original characters,”
and noted the project carries “so much heart and adventure.” He continued,
There is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn.
The Impact and Anticipation Surrounding Starfighter
Starfighter’s release could signal a new chapter in Star Wars storytelling by offering fresh characters and narratives distinct from the saga’s main lineup. With Shawn Levy’s direction and Jonathan Tropper’s writing, alongside a diverse ensemble cast, the film is positioned to captivate fans seeking new adventures within the galaxy. For Ryan Gosling, this role marks a significant departure from his previous reluctance towards franchise films and may pave the way for further involvement in the expanding Lucasfilm universe.