Ryan Gosling is opening up about what convinced him to step into the Star Wars universe — and it wasn’t just the franchise name.
The award-nominated actor, known for roles in Barbie, Blade Runner 2049, and Project Hail Mary, revealed that he had avoided major franchise films for much of his career. That changed when Star Wars: Starfighter came along. In a recent interview, he described the project as something that finally felt right — a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
What Made This Star Wars Role Different
Speaking with io9, Gosling said that what ultimately drew him to Starfighter was not simply joining a blockbuster franchise, but the vision, enthusiasm, and script presented by director Shawn Levy.
“It was Shawn’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script… and it is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Gosling explained.
He also admitted he had intentionally steered clear of long-running franchise fare before, because nothing had “felt right” to him — until now. This makes his decision notable, given that most actors of his profile often embrace franchise roles early in their careers.
A Standalone Star Wars Story
Star Wars: Starfighter represents a fresh chapter for the franchise. Rather than continuing an existing arc or revisiting familiar faces, the film tells a completely original story set after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
According to the current timeline, the story takes place about five years after Episode IX, placing it in largely unexplored territory in the galaxy far, far away.
This standalone approach — with no legacy characters from previous films — appears to be one of the key reasons Gosling found the script compelling. The creative team’s desire to tell something new, rather than rely on nostalgic callbacks or familiar franchises, has drawn considerable interest.
A Star-Studded Cast and Big Team Behind It
In addition to Gosling, Starfighter features a diverse and exciting cast, including:
- Flynn Gray
- Matt Smith
- Mia Goth
- Aaron Pierre
- Amy Adams
- Simon Bird
- Jamael Westman
- Daniel Ings
Director Shawn Levy, known for films like Deadpool & Wolverine, is at the helm, and the movie is written by Jonathan Tropper, whose script appears to be one of the biggest selling points for Gosling.
What This Means for Star Wars
Gosling’s involvement signals Star Wars: Starfighter could become one of the most unique projects in the franchise’s history. By attracting such a high-profile actor who rarely engages with long-running intellectual properties, Lucasfilm appears to be pushing for a movie that both respects tradition and boldly expands into new territory.
This fresh take on the galaxy — one driven by new characters and original storytelling rather than a continuation of previous sagas — could reshape how future Star Wars films are made and marketed.
Fans and industry observers alike see this as a positive step in broadening the cinematic scope of the franchise while still honoring its legacy.
Starfighter’s Release Timeline
Star Wars: Starfighter is currently scheduled for theatrical release on May 28, 2027, positioning it as one of the major blockbusters of the summer season.
Stay connected with the galaxy’s latest updates!
Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, bsky or Pinterest for exclusive content, mod guides, Star Wars gaming news, and more. Your support helps keep the Holonet alive—one click at a time
