Ryan Gosling has opened up about why he chose to take on a role in the new film Star Wars: Starfighter, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The actor, known for steering clear of major Hollywood franchises for much of his career, will star in the upcoming Star Wars movie directed by Shawn Levy. This marks a significant shift for Gosling, who waited for the right project before entering the franchise space.
Director Shawn Levy’s Vision and a Fresh Star Wars Tale
Gosling explained that Shawn Levy’s enthusiasm, vision, and the script were decisive factors in his decision. He told io9,
“It was Shawn’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script. And I just avoided these things because they never felt right. And I’m glad I did because I feel like, [similar to] a book like this, [it was] worth waiting for. And it is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter promises a distinctive story within the Star Wars universe, deliberately steering away from familiar characters. Writer Jonathan Tropper confirmed no legacy characters, stating,
“You’re not going to see any of the characters you’ve seen in the other movies.”
This new direction sets the project apart as one of the most original in recent years for the franchise.
An Original Storyline Set After The Rise of Skywalker
Lucasfilm has announced that Star Wars: Starfighter takes place after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Although the plot details remain confidential, the film features a fresh cast that includes Gosling alongside newcomer Flynn Gray, Matt Smith from House of the Dragon, Mia Goth from Pearl, Aaron Pierre of Lanterns, and Amy Adams known for Arrival. This new ensemble supports the film’s fresh narrative approach.
Levy’s Commitment to Bringing New Life to Star Wars
In interviews last November, Shawn Levy emphasized his intent to deliver a different Star Wars film that breaks away from sequels and prequels. He said,
“It is different in that it is an all-new non-sequel, non-prequel adventure. It’s new characters, it’s a new timeline. It inherits legacy themes, but it’s really trying to give Star Wars [fans] – and just movie audiences – something fresh, something new. And with a spirit of play and big-hearted adventure with moments of real levity that, frankly, A New Hope had in a revolutionary way.”
Levy also expressed gratitude for the creative freedom provided by Lucasfilm, adding,
“But it’s a huge, invigorating opportunity because Lucasfilm has been so encouraging of me doing something new. There’s no pressure to be derivative or limited by an obligation to what came before. There’s just a love of what came before.”
Upcoming Release and Anticipation
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027, sparking anticipation among fans eager for a new chapter within the Star Wars timeline. With a fresh narrative, a new cast, and a visionary director, this film aims to revitalize the franchise while respecting its legacy. The involvement of prominent talents like Ryan Gosling, combined with the promise of a story unburdened by past installments, positions this release as a highly anticipated addition to the Star Wars saga.
