A major new chapter in the Star Wars universe is taking shape—this time with Ryan Gosling in the cockpit.
It was officially announced at Star Wars Celebration Tokyo that Gosling will take the lead in Star Wars: Starfighter, a new standalone film directed by Deadpool & Wolverine filmmaker Shawn Levy. The film is set to soar into cinemas on May 7, 2027.
While rumors swirled earlier this year about Gosling’s involvement, this is the first official confirmation of his role in the galaxy far, far away. Speaking at the event, Gosling expressed his excitement for the project, saying, “The reality is that this script is just so good. It has such a great story with great and original characters. It’s filled with so much heart and adventure, and there just really is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn.”
The Barbie and La La Land star also reflected on his childhood fascination with Star Wars, sharing: “I guess I was probably dreaming about Star Wars before I even saw the film. And it’s probably framed my idea of what a movie even was.”
Director Shawn Levy confirmed that Starfighter will be a completely original tale within the Star Wars universe. “This is a standalone. It’s not a prequel, not a sequel. It’s a new adventure. It’s set in a period of time that we haven’t seen explored yet,” Levy said.
Plot details remain tightly under wraps, and no additional cast members have been announced so far. However, the promise of a fresh narrative untethered from the Skywalker saga is sure to spark interest among both longtime fans and newcomers.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Star Wars galaxy, Daisy Ridley’s long-anticipated return as Rey Skywalker in New Jedi Order is gaining momentum. George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum, Ocean’s Twelve) has signed on to write the script, with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy making her narrative feature debut as director. That film will explore Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
With Starfighter and New Jedi Order both on the horizon, the Force is once again awakening in bold, new directions.