Ryan Gosling is gearing up for a new adventure in the “Star Wars” universe, as he joins director Shawn Levy for the upcoming film “Star Wars: Starfighter,” scheduled for release in May 2027. Production is set to begin this fall, and the film will take place about five years after “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). However, it will be a standalone story, separate from the Skywalker saga.
Lucasfilm, the studio behind “Star Wars,” has described the film as an entirely new adventure with fresh characters, set in an unexplored era of the galaxy. The announcement came during the Star Wars Celebration in Japan, where Gosling shared his long-standing connection with the franchise. Gosling revealed that as a child, he dreamed about “Star Wars” even before watching it, recalling his “Star Wars”-themed bedding from his youth.
“I think it framed my idea of what a movie even was,” Gosling said during a panel with Levy. He praised the film’s script, calling it full of adventure, heart, and original characters, and said the movie would offer a glimpse into parts of the universe that fans have not yet seen.
Levy, known for directing “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” promised that the film would capture the classic “Star Wars” fun, but with a fresh, original twist. “Obviously, you take on ‘Star Wars,’ something this beloved, it’s intimidating, you’re scared, you’re nervous, you want to get it right,” Levy said, adding that the team was confident this collaboration would deliver the right experience.
Since Disney acquired the “Star Wars” franchise in 2012, the universe has expanded significantly with a sequel trilogy, standalone films like “Rogue One” and “Solo,” and multiple TV series. The upcoming movie will join a growing list of “Star Wars” content, including recent Disney+ series like “The Mandalorian” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
The next “Star Wars” film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” a spin-off from the hit TV series, is set for release in May 2026.