Lucasfilm has officially confirmed that Ryan Gosling will lead the next theatrical Star Wars film, directed by Deadpool & Wolverine’s Shawn Levy. The standalone project, now titled Star Wars: Starfighter, begins filming this fall and is set for release on May 28, 2027 — marking the franchise’s continued return to cinemas following a long pause since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
The news was unveiled at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, where Gosling and Levy took the stage to tease the project. Wearing a cap reading 'Never tell me the odds', Gosling charmed the audience: "The force is a mysterious thing, but, as I’m here, the force is the fans. All we can hope for is, 'May the fans be with us.'" Levy added, "We’re fans too. We’ve spent our lives in that audience. We know how meaningful it is."
Set five years after Episode IX, Starfighter will introduce new characters during a time of galactic rebuilding. Written by Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project), the film promises a blend of emotional depth and blockbuster energy — potentially steering the saga beyond the Skywalker legacy.
Gosling’s involvement marks a rare move for the actor, who typically avoids major franchises. His role hints at a more grounded, character-focused tone for Star Wars, especially with Tropper’s influence as writer.
Arriving a year after The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 2026), Starfighter continues the franchise’s pivot toward standalone stories. If successful, this new phase could redefine Star Wars for today’s streaming generation while restoring its theatrical impact.
And yet, one major star currently dominating headlines has reportedly turned down the chance to join Gosling in the galaxy.
