Ryan Gosling is poised to launch into an exciting new adventure within the celebrated universe of “Star Wars.” In an announcement that has sent waves of excitement through the cinematic community and die-hard fans alike, Gosling will collaborate with renowned director Shawn Levy for the upcoming film titled “Star Wars: Starfighter.” The project is on track for its grand release in May 2027, marking a significant addition to the ever-expanding “Star Wars” saga.
Scheduled to begin production in the fall, “Starfighter” will be set approximately five years after the events of “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker,” which debuted in 2019. However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the film will navigate the galaxy independently, situating itself outside the established Skywalker narrative, allowing for a totally fresh storyline. A press release from Lucasfilm underscored the commitment to innovating within the franchise: “The film is an entirely new adventure featuring all-new characters set in a period of time that has not been explored on screen,” indicating a bold leap into uncharted territory within the beloved universe.
The announcement took place during the Star Wars Celebration, a notable fan event held recently in Japan, where both Gosling and Levy generated considerable excitement. During this event, Gosling shared a personal touch with the audience, unveiling a childhood relic: his “Star Wars”-themed bedding. He reminisced about how he had been captivated by “Star Wars” long before actually seeing it, illustrating how deeply rooted the series is in popular culture. In a heartfelt moment, he stated, “It’s always been there; it’s sort of in the DNA of the culture.” This engagement reflects both Gosling’s enthusiasm for the franchise and his appreciation for its impact.
Diving deeper into the film’s essence, Gosling expressed his admiration for the script, declaring, “The script is just so good—the story, it has so much adventure, so much heart, and original character.” He hinted at the opportunity to explore a side of the “Star Wars” universe that has yet to be brought to life on screen, fostering further anticipation for what lies ahead in “Starfighter.” Levy chimed in, assuring fans that the film would encapsulate the characteristic charm of “Star Wars,” infused with fresh, original approaches, making it a distinctive experience within the franchise.
The veteran director, known for his work on titles such as “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” acknowledged the immense legacy that “Star Wars” carries. He articulated a blend of excitement and nerves associated with the project’s high expectations, stating, “Because obviously you take on ‘Star Wars,’ you take on something this beloved, it’s intimidating. But we have a feeling that with this story, with this collaboration, we can get it right.”
The universe of “Star Wars” has undergone significant expansion since The Walt Disney Company acquired the franchise in 2012. This acquisition kickstarted a comprehensive exploration of the saga, leading to the creation of a sequel trilogy, along with numerous spinoffs and series. Between 2015 and 2019, Lucasfilm maintained a robust release schedule, bestowing fans with annual films such as “The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi,” and “The Rise of Skywalker,” as well as the standalone hits “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
In addition to these cinematic offerings, the franchise has steadily expanded into the realm of streaming, rolling out acclaimed series that include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” and “Andor” on Disney+. The next film set to hit theaters is “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” a spin-off from the immensely popular series directed by Jon Favreau, which is anticipated to be released in May 2026.
As the “Star Wars” universe continues to grow, the buzz around Ryan Gosling’s role in “Star Wars: Starfighter” is a promising indication that the franchise remains a vital and exciting part of the film landscape, mesmerizing both existing fans and new audiences. With a narrative ripe for exploration and the combination of Gosling’s star power and Levy’s directorial vision, “Starfighter” is shaping up to be a highly-anticipated entry into this iconic galaxy.