Ryan Gosling has set aside his longtime rule against joining major franchises to star in the upcoming Star Wars film, Star Wars: Starfighter. During the press tour for his 2026 movie Project Hail Mary, Gosling explained that his decision came after being convinced by director Shawn Levy’s passion, vision, and a script that felt like a unique opportunity.
The actor’s choice to enter the Star Wars universe marks a new chapter in his career, adding to a diverse list that already includes acclaimed roles in Blade Runner 2049, Barbie, and Project Hail Mary. Gosling’s involvement highlights his willingness to embrace a story that truly resonates with him within a vast and established galaxy.
What Drew Ryan Gosling to This New Star Wars Story
Gosling shared insight into his hesitation toward franchise projects in the past, stating that many scripts never felt right for him. However, upon reading the Starfighter script, he recognized something special. He described working with Shawn Levy and the story as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Discussing his excitement, Gosling said,
“It was Shawn [Levy]’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script,”
and added,
“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.”
His admiration for the project extended beyond the script and director, praising the story as
“such a great story with great and original characters”
that delivers so much heart and adventure. Gosling further emphasized,
“There is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn.”
Although Gosling has been linked to other franchises like the MCU’s Ghost Rider, it appears Star Wars finally held the right appeal for him, enabling a meaningful addition to his filmography.
New Star Wars Tale with No Legacy Characters
Writer Jonathan Tropper clarified that Star Wars: Starfighter will unfold a completely original story separate from existing saga characters. Tropper confirmed the film would not include any legacy characters fans are familiar with from past movies, offering a fresh perspective within the Star Wars universe.
On this, Tropper said,
“Obviously, lightsabers are a part of that universe and that part of that Galaxy,”
and continued,
“I’m so careful not to reveal anything, but essentially, I think it’s known that we have no legacy characters. You’re not going to see any of the characters you’ve seen in the other movies.”
He added,
“So there are certain things that are still hallmarks of Star Wars that is good to have in there. But more than that, I can’t say.”
Lucasfilm also confirmed that Starfighter is set after the 2019 film The Rise of Skywalker, described by Levy as a non-sequel, non-prequel adventure introducing new characters and a new timeline, designed to offer fans something fresh and original.
Cast and Release Information for Star Wars: Starfighter
Alongside Ryan Gosling, the cast of Starfighter includes Flynn Gray, known for Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2, Matt Smith from House of the Dragon, Mia Goth of Infinity Pool and Frankenstein, Aaron Pierre from Lanterns, Simon Bird of The Inbetweeners, Jamael Westman from Hedda, Daniel Ings of Lovesick, and Amy Adams, noted for Man of Steel.
The film is slated for release on May 28, 2027, promising to bring a new chapter to the Star Wars legacy with fresh stories and direction under Shawn Levy’s guidance.
What This Means for the Star Wars Universe
Ryan Gosling’s decision to join Star Wars: Starfighter signals a notable shift for the actor and the franchise, reflecting a growing trend of established actors embracing original stories within expansive universes. With no ties to legacy characters and a fresh timeline, Starfighter aims to expand Star Wars’ storytelling boundaries, potentially attracting both longtime fans and newcomers eager for unexplored adventures in the galaxy far, far away.
As the film’s release approaches, anticipation is building around how this new direction will reshape the Star Wars landscape, while showcasing Ryan Gosling’s evolving career choices and Shawn Levy’s filmmaking vision.
