The Force is calling Ryan Gosling.
The Barbie and La La Land star is officially joining the Star Wars universe as the lead in a brand-new film titled “Star Wars: Starfighter,” directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine). The exciting announcement was made on Day 1 of Star Wars Celebration Japan in Chiba, where the duo posed for photos and shared new details that had fans buzzing.
A Brand-New Chapter in the Galaxy
Scheduled for release in May 2027, Star Wars: Starfighter is set five years after the events of “Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” but won’t follow the legacy Skywalker storyline. Instead, the film will introduce completely new characters and explore a fresh, uncharted era in the galaxy.
“The film is an entirely new adventure… in a period of time that has not been explored on screen,” said a statement from Lucasfilm.
Gosling’s Childhood Dream Come True
In a nostalgic and emotional moment, Gosling told the crowd how deep-rooted Star Wars is in his life. A childhood photo of his Star Wars-themed bedsheets was shown on screen, prompting laughs and applause.
“I was dreaming about Star Wars before I ever saw it,” he said. “It’s in the DNA of culture—it framed my idea of what a movie even was.”
Speaking about the upcoming film, Gosling called the script “so good,” full of “adventure, heart, and original characters.”
Shawn Levy: “We Want to Get It Right”
For director Shawn Levy, stepping into the Star Wars universe is both thrilling and daunting.
“It’s intimidating… you’re scared, you’re nervous, you want to get it right,” he admitted. “But this story, this collaboration—we believe we can.”
Levy hinted at the classic fun and spirit of Star Wars, but promised it would come with a fresh twist that breaks new ground.
What’s Next for Star Wars?
Gosling’s Starfighter film will follow the release of “The Mandalorian & Grogu” in May 2026, directed by Jon Favreau. It marks a new chapter in Lucasfilm’s evolving strategy—focusing on fewer, bigger theatrical events, while continuing to develop streaming hits like The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka.
With the Starfighter project now confirmed, anticipation is sky-high. For many fans, it’s not just a new movie—it’s the chance to rediscover the magic of Star Wars through fresh faces and original stories, led by one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars.
May the hype begin.
