In a move that could reshape the future of the galaxy far, far away, Ryan Gosling is in talks to headline an untitled Star Wars film, marking his first venture into a major film franchise. The project would reunite him with “The Adam Project” director Shawn Levy, who’s fresh off helming Marvel’s highly anticipated “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
The pairing of Gosling, who captivated audiences as Ken in “Barbie” and earned an Oscar nomination for “La La Land,” with the Star Wars universe signals a bold new direction for Lucasfilm. The project has been quietly developing since late 2022, with acclaimed screenwriter Jonathan Tropper (“This Is Where I Leave You”) crafting the story. Levy will produce through his 21 Laps banner alongside Lucasfilm veteran Kathleen Kennedy.
Breaking from tradition, this new film won’t connect to the Skywalker Saga that dominated the franchise for over four decades. While plot details remain as closely guarded as the Death Star plans, the standalone nature of the project suggests Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the Star Wars universe beyond its familiar confines.
The Gosling-led project could accelerate past other announced Star Wars films in development, including ambitious ventures from directors James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Dave Filoni. It would follow “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” the first Star Wars theatrical release in over half a decade, scheduled to land in theaters on May 22, 2026.
For Gosling, who has built his career on critically acclaimed dramas and character-driven films, joining Star Wars represents a transformative moment. While he’s tackled science fiction before in films like “Blade Runner 2049,” this would mark his first steps into tentpole franchise territory. Fans won’t have to wait long to see Gosling in space, though – he’s set to star in the upcoming sci-fi thriller “Project Hail Mary,” directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel.
The casting would also create an amusing coincidence: Levy would become one of the few directors to work with both of Hollywood’s famous Canadian Ryans – Gosling and Reynolds – further cementing his reputation for crafting character-driven blockbusters with A-list talent.
