Ryan Gosling, known for his acclaimed roles in Barbie and La La Land, is reportedly in talks to join the Star Wars universe. The actor is being eyed for a leading role in an untitled standalone film directed by Shawn Levy, the filmmaker behind Deadpool & Wolverine. The project, which Levy has been developing since late 2022, is being written by screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, known for The Adam Project and This Is Where I Leave You.
The film is described as a standalone story, separate from the Skywalker Saga that concluded with 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, Gosling’s potential involvement could accelerate the project’s development, positioning it ahead of other Star Wars films in the works. These include projects helmed by directors James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Dave Filoni, which were announced at Star Wars Celebration in April 2023.
Levy’s film would follow The Mandalorian & Grogu, the first Star Wars movie to receive a greenlight in over five years. That film, which recently wrapped principal photography, is set to premiere on May 22, 2026.
For Gosling, this move represents a notable pivot in his career. While he has consistently delivered standout performances in films like Drive and Blade Runner 2049, he has largely avoided major franchise roles, unlike many of his peers. Joining Star Wars could mark his first foray into a blockbuster series of this scale.
Gosling’s next project is the sci-fi thriller Project Hail Mary, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel. However, his potential role in Star Wars would undoubtedly be a career highlight, bringing his star power to one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history.
As Lucasfilm continues to expand its galaxy far, far away, Gosling’s involvement could signal a fresh direction for the franchise, blending his dramatic depth with the epic storytelling Star Wars is known for. With Levy at the helm and Kathleen Kennedy producing, the project has the potential to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences.
While details remain scarce, one thing is clear: the Force may soon be with Ryan Gosling.
