Ryan Gosling has officially joined the galaxy far, far away. The Oscar-nominated actor will star in Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone film directed by Shawn Levy and set after the sequel trilogy. For Gosling, this marks his first major franchise role — a surprising move given his career-long avoidance of blockbuster IPs.
Why Gosling Said Yes
Speaking to Gizmodo, Gosling revealed why he finally embraced a franchise project. “It was Shawn’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script,” he explained. “I just avoided these things because they never felt right. And I’m glad I did because I feel like it was worth waiting for. It is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
His comments suggest that Levy’s passion and the film’s unique story convinced him to take the leap. Gosling emphasized that he wasn’t interested in joining a franchise just for the sake of it — he wanted the right project.
A New Era for Star Wars
Star Wars: Starfighter will not be a sequel or prequel but a standalone story set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. The film promises to explore the galaxy in the aftermath of Palpatine’s defeat, offering fresh perspectives beyond the familiar battles of Empire versus Rebellion.
Levy has described the project as a chance to tell a contained story within the Star Wars universe, a move that could reinvigorate the franchise after years of mixed reception to its sequels.
Gosling’s Sci-Fi Momentum
Interestingly, Gosling is also headlining another sci-fi project, Project Hail Mary, which hits theaters in March 2026. His dual involvement in high-profile science fiction films underscores his growing presence in the genre.
Industry insiders believe Gosling’s star power could help Starfighter become one of the most anticipated Star Wars films in years. Some even suggest it may surpass the buzz surrounding The Mandalorian and Grogu, which arrives in theaters this May.
The Future of the Franchise
After a long theatrical hiatus, Lucasfilm is betting on fresh stories and big names to reignite excitement. With Gosling leading Starfighter and Levy at the helm, fans are hopeful the film will deliver a new chapter that balances spectacle with character-driven storytelling.
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to release on May 28, 2027. In the meantime, audiences can catch The Mandalorian and Grogu in theaters on May 22, 2026, and stream the saga’s past films and series on Disney+.
