Ryan Gosling to lead new Star Wars movie Starfighter in 2027

Ryan Gosling and director Shawn Levy unveil Star Wars: Starfighter, set after The Rise of Skywalker.

Ryan Gosling is spotted on May 1, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. Photo by PG/Bauer-Griffin

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

After stealing scenes as Ken in the wildly successful Barbie movie, Oscar-nominated actor Ryan Gosling is set to join one of the most iconic universes in film history. Lucasfilm has confirmed that Starfighter, a brand-new installment in the Star Wars saga, will star Ryan Gosling in the lead role. This Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie is slated for release in May 2027 and promises to take the franchise in an entirely new direction.

The announcement was made at the Star Wars Celebration event in Japan, where fans were surprised by a live appearance from both Gosling and the film’s director, Shawn Levy. The pair took the stage to share their excitement for the upcoming film and provide the first official details about the project. Gosling’s transition into the Star Wars galaxy marks a major moment in his already impressive career and is a significant addition to the Star Wars cinematic timeline.

A fresh take in a familiar galaxy

According to Lucasfilm, Starfighter will be set five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. However, it won’t pick up with Rey, Finn, or any of the familiar characters from the sequel trilogy. Instead, Gosling’s Star Wars movie will introduce a completely new storyline with original characters and settings not yet explored on screen.

Director Shawn Levy, whose credits include Deadpool & Wolverine and Stranger Things, said the movie is aiming to respect the legacy of Star Wars while expanding it in bold, fresh directions. During the Japan event, Levy admitted the pressure of taking on such a storied franchise but said he was confident in the creative vision behind Starfighter.

"You take on Star Wars, you take on something that's this beloved — it's intimidating. You're scared, you're nervous, you want to get it right," Levy told the crowd. "But we have a feeling that with this story, with this collaboration, we can get it right."

Ryan Gosling joins Star Wars with charm and confidence

Wearing a cap that read “Never Tell Me The Odds,” Gosling fully embraced his new role in the Star Wars universe. He told the cheering crowd, "I think it's just exactly the advice that we need as we embark on this journey."

With characteristic charisma, Gosling added, "The Force is a mysterious thing. But I think as I'm here, I feel like the Force is the fans. I think all we can hope for is that — may the fans be with us."

This will be Gosling’s first time leading a blockbuster franchise in the sci-fi space since 2017’s Blade Runner 2049. While that film earned critical acclaim and deepened his reputation as a serious actor, Starfighter represents an opportunity for Gosling to combine his artistic depth with a character that has global cultural impact. The Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie is already generating significant buzz among longtime fans of the saga.

What we know about Starfighter

So far, Lucasfilm has been tight-lipped about plot specifics for Starfighter. What we do know is that the film will take place during an unexplored period of the galaxy’s history — offering filmmakers creative freedom without disrupting existing timelines. That alone has sparked considerable speculation from fans online about what kind of role Gosling might be playing.

Given the title, Starfighter, there’s speculation that the movie might focus on the pilots of the Star Wars universe — a nod to classic X-Wing dogfights and space battles that defined the original trilogy. Could Gosling be playing a rogue pilot? A new military commander? A rebel leader? All options seem open, and Lucasfilm appears eager to keep fans guessing for now.

The growing future of the Star Wars film universe

Gosling’s Starfighter is just one of several upcoming Star Wars films. In 2026, The Mandalorian & Grogu will hit theaters, bringing the Disney+ streaming hit to the big screen. Other projects in development include films by directors Taika Waititi, James Mangold, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Simon Kinberg is also reportedly working on a trilogy, expanding the universe even further.

Each of these films represents a different approach to storytelling within the franchise, and the Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie appears to follow that trend. Rather than revisiting legacy characters, Lucasfilm seems determined to develop original stories with new emotional stakes and cinematic style.

Director Shawn Levy’s involvement also hints at a mix of action, heart, and humor — the kind of tone that resonates with today’s audiences. If Starfighter lives up to its promise, it could be a breakout hit not just for Gosling as a Star Wars lead, but for the franchise as a whole in its post-Skywalker era.

From Ken to the cosmos: Gosling’s Hollywood trajectory

Ryan Gosling is no stranger to reinvention. His turn as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and widespread praise for balancing comedy, depth, and vulnerability. Before that, his performances in La La Land and Half Nelson earned him Best Actor nominations at the Academy Awards.

Taking on a Star Wars film allows Gosling to stretch into new territory — joining a franchise that has helped define cinematic history for nearly 50 years. With the right story and character, his portrayal in Starfighter could become a memorable chapter in the galaxy far, far away.

Fans around the world have already taken to social media to share their excitement for the Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie. Whether it’s memes, speculation, or sheer joy at seeing Gosling pilot a starfighter, it’s clear that Starfighter is one of the most anticipated releases of 2027.

The Force is strong with this one

While there are still years to go before Starfighter lands in theaters, Ryan Gosling’s leap into the Star Wars franchise already feels like a pivotal move for both the actor and Lucasfilm. By assembling a creative team with fresh ideas and cinematic experience, and by casting one of Hollywood’s most beloved talents, Lucasfilm is betting big on a bold new vision.

As production gears up later this year, fans will be eagerly awaiting teasers, trailers, and first glimpses at Gosling in his new role. Until then, the Force — and the fandom — will be watching.

In the ever-expanding galaxy of Star Wars, the Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie Starfighter may just chart an entirely new course.