Ryan Gosling has described starring in Star Wars: Starfighter as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Announced on February 28, 2026, this film marks a rare venture into the Star Wars universe for the Project Hail Mary actor. Gosling leads the cast in this standalone story, set five years after Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker, and expressed how his involvement came after hesitation with major franchise projects.
Director Shawn Levy’s Vision Was Key to Gosling’s Decision
Gosling revealed that big franchise roles had previously never felt right to him until director Shawn Levy shared his vision for Star Wars: Starfighter, which also stars Amy Adams and Mia Goth. Speaking to io9, Gosling attributed his attraction to the project to Levy’s enthusiasm and the quality of 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.”
— Ryan Gosling, Actor
Story and Characters Rooted in Adventure and Heart
Set five years after the conclusion of the main saga, Star Wars: Starfighter offers a fresh narrative focusing on a pilot, played by Gosling, who must shield his Force-sensitive nephew, portrayed by Flynn Gray. The story features new characters and a spirit of adventure, which Gosling praised as “great” and “original.”
“There is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn.”
— Ryan Gosling, Actor
Tom Cruise’s Unexpected Participation in a Lightsaber Duel
Director Shawn Levy recently disclosed that Tom Cruise visited the Starfighter set and even contributed to filming a lightsaber battle. Initially arriving just to observe, Cruise ended up helping direct a key fight scene, a surprising and exciting moment for the crew.
“Now when you see the movie, you’ll know that part of it was shot by Tom. I mean, how cool is that?”
— Shawn Levy, Director
Steven Spielberg’s On-Set Visit and Influential Advice
The Star Wars: Starfighter production also welcomed a visit from Steven Spielberg, reminding Levy of the wisdom Spielberg shared during their work together on Real Steel. Levy recounted the advice Spielberg gave about directing films with the audience’s perspective in mind, which continues to guide his approach.
“I’ve never forgotten that. For better or worse, I am making movies like I would want them to look and feel and sound like if I were sitting in that dark theater. So maybe that’s it.”
— Shawn Levy, Director
Focusing on Characters Amidst Grand Scale and Spectacle
Drawing on his experience as an executive producer and director on Stranger Things, Levy emphasized the importance of balancing large-scale spectacle with intimate storytelling for Starfighter. He believes staying true to character-driven narratives grounds the film emotionally, even with the franchise’s high expectations and adventurous scope.
“I think that if I can balance the epic and the intimate the way [show creators Matt and Ross Duffer] have with Stranger Things, I’ll make a movie and an original and new Star Wars adventure that can be really satisfying to fans and audiences.”
— Shawn Levy, Director
Anticipation Builds for the 2027 Release of Star Wars: Starfighter
Set to debut in 2027, Star Wars: Starfighter stands out as a new chapter in the iconic universe, blending thrilling adventure with heartfelt storytelling. With Ryan Gosling’s commitment to the role, Shawn Levy’s direction, and unexpected contributions from stars like Tom Cruise, audiences can look forward to a fresh, character-driven journey that expands the saga’s legacy while honoring its roots.
