The upcoming Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Starfighter, is set to defy several long-standing conventions of the franchise, promising a fresh experience for fans. Confirmed at Star Wars Celebration 2025, Ryan Gosling will headline the film, marking a significant shift in casting and storytelling approaches.
Starfighter Features Established Stars Instead of Unknown Leads
Since Star Wars’ beginnings in 1977, the franchise has famously cast relatively unknown actors in lead roles, often launching their careers to new heights. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Hayden Christensen, Daisy Ridley, and Ewan McGregor all followed this pattern, gaining widespread recognition through their Star Wars roles rather than beforehand.
This tradition is notably different in Starfighter, with Ryan Gosling already a major Hollywood figure before taking on the lead. Gosling’s recent role as Ken in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie cemented his status as a top star. Alongside Gosling, the movie’s cast includes other notable actors such as Amy Adams, known for major parts like Lois Lane in the DC universe, and Matt Smith, recognized for key roles in Doctor Who, The Crown, and House of the Dragon. Smith is rumored to portray a villain in the film.
The Extensive Theater Background of Starfighter’s Cast
Beyond their cinematic experience, many of the actors confirmed for Starfighter have strong theater roots. Amy Adams began her career on stage, and her presence in the film continues this influence. Aaron Pierre, whose character remains undisclosed, performed as Cassio in Shakespeare’s Othello at London’s Globe Theatre, while Jamael Westman, also with an unknown role, notably starred as Alexander Hamilton in the London production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton.
The inclusion of theater actors could bring a different dynamic to the screen. Adam Driver, famous for his role as Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, started on stage and is often credited with bringing emotional depth and intensity to his on-screen performances. His colleagues Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley have spoken about Driver’s emotional commitment during filming. This theatrical energy may influence the acting style in Starfighter, diverging from traditional Star Wars performances.
British Talent in Starfighter Challenges Traditional Villain Casting
The cast of Starfighter includes many British actors, but unlike earlier Star Wars installments where British performers were predominantly cast as villains, this movie appears set to break that pattern. Classic Star Wars villains such as Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing), Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), and Darth Vader’s corporeal portrayal (David Prowse) were all played by British actors.
Though there have been respected British heroes like Obi-Wan Kenobi, portrayed by Ewan McGregor and Alec Guinness, and heroes Daisy Ridley and John Boyega—both British-born—the link between British actors and villainous roles has remained strong. In Starfighter, some British cast members, including Matt Smith and Mia Goth, are rumored to play antagonists, but others such as Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings are not expected to fill villain roles.
This blend hints at a potential redefinition of British actors’ roles in the Star Wars universe, signaling a move toward more complex and varied character assignments beyond the established villain archetype.
Starfighter’s Confirmed Cast and Creative Team
Star Wars: Starfighter is being directed by Shawn Levy, with Ryan Gosling confirmed as the lead, playing Flynn Gray. Amy Adams will portray Flynn Gray’s mother, and Matt Smith is part of the cast as well. Other cast members include Aaron Pierre, Jamael Westman, Simon Bird, Mia Goth, and Daniel Ings, many of whom bring substantial theater experience to their roles.
While specific details about the storyline remain under wraps, the mix of star power, diverse theatrical backgrounds, and the reshaping of casting traditions points to a film that could significantly stand out within the sprawling Star Wars saga.
What This Means for the Star Wars Franchise
Star Wars: Starfighter appears ready to challenge conventions that have persisted across nearly five decades of films and television. By casting an established star like Ryan Gosling and surrounding him with a theater-savvy ensemble that pushes against historical casting patterns—particularly regarding British actors and villain roles—the movie could introduce new themes and performance styles to the franchise.
This shift may attract a broader audience and refresh the narrative tone, while potentially setting new standards for future Star Wars productions. As the film progresses through production and marketing phases, fans and critics alike will watch closely to see how these changes affect the story’s reception and the franchise’s evolution.
