New 'Star Wars' movie: Ryan Gosling will star in 'Starfighter,' scheduled for release in 2027.

Ryan Gosling, best known for his role in Barbie, will star in Star Wars: Starfighter, a new film in the Star Wars universe. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, is scheduled for release in May 2027 and will mark a new era in the franchise by introducing a standalone story with all-new characters.

The plot will be set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, but will not be connected to the Skywalker narrative. Lucasfilm, the studio responsible for the saga, announced that this production will explore an era previously unseen on screen, thus expanding the horizons of the universe created by George Lucas.

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Official presentation during Star Wars celebration in Japan

The film was officially announced during Star Wars Celebration in Japan, an event dedicated to fans of the saga. During a panel, Ryan Gosling shared a personal anecdote about his connection to the franchise, revealing that he had dreamed of Star Wars since he was a child, even before seeing any of the films. Additionally, an image of his Star Wars-themed children's bedding was shown as part of the announcement.

Gosling praised the script and the approach to Starfighter, highlighting its focus on adventure, excitement, and the introduction of new characters. For his part, director Shawn Levy—known for titles such as Deadpool & Wolverine—promised a production that will retain the essence of Star Wars, but with an innovative narrative and visual approach.

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A new era for the franchise under the Disney label

Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the Star Wars franchise has experienced significant expansion in both theatrical and streaming platforms. Five films were released between 2015 and 2019, including the final Skywalker trilogy and the spin-offs Rogue One and Solo. Additionally, Disney+ has released multiple series such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Before the release of Starfighter, the franchise will return to the big screen with The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau and scheduled for May 2026. With these projects, Star Wars continues to renew and diversify its narrative universe for new audiences and generations of fans.