5 Shocking New Details About Ryan Gosling's Star Wars: Starfighter Movie (Release Date, Full Cast, And Plot Leaks)

The galaxy far, far away is getting its biggest new star yet, and the updates are coming in fast. As of December 11, 2025, the highly-anticipated *Star Wars: Starfighter* movie, starring Oscar-nominated actor Ryan Gosling, has officially moved into production, with Lucasfilm and director Shawn Levy confirming a wealth of new, exciting details. This project is set to be the first major theatrical film to explore the chaotic, post-Sequel Trilogy era, promising a fresh perspective on the New Republic and the remnants of the First Order's influence. This article dives deep into the most current and confirmed information, from the film's unexpected setting to the surprise A-list cast additions that will join Gosling in his first major space opera role. Get ready to learn everything we know about the May 2027 blockbuster that promises to redefine the future of the *Star Wars* franchise.

Ryan Gosling: The Bio and The Starfighter Mission

Ryan Gosling's career has seen a spectacular evolution, moving from indie darling to blockbuster icon. His casting in *Star Wars: Starfighter* marks his entry into one of the biggest franchises in cinematic history, following his massive success in films like *Blade Runner 2049* and *Barbie*.

Ryan Gosling Biography Profile

• Full Name: Ryan Thomas Gosling
• Date of Birth: November 12, 1980
• Place of Birth: London, Ontario, Canada
• Spouse: Eva Mendes (Partner)
• Career Highlights: *The Notebook* (2004), *Half Nelson* (2006), *Drive* (2011), *La La Land* (2016), *Blade Runner 2049* (2017), *The Gray Man* (2022), *Barbie* (2023).
• Awards: Golden Globe Award winner, multiple Academy Award nominations.
• Role in *Star Wars: Starfighter*: Currently unconfirmed, but widely rumored to be a former Jedi or a highly-skilled New Republic pilot/operative.
• Director: Shawn Levy (Known for *Stranger Things*, *Free Guy*, *Deadpool & Wolverine*).
• Writer: Jonathan Tropper.

The mystery surrounding Gosling’s character name is intentional, but leaked details suggest a complex role. He is tasked with a vital mission to protect a young, Force-sensitive Padawan—his 15-year-old nephew, played by newcomer Flynn Gray—from two powerful, evil antagonists. This setup positions Gosling as a reluctant hero, a classic trope in the *Star Wars* universe, reminiscent of Han Solo or even an older, more grounded Luke Skywalker.

The Confirmed Timeline: Five Years After The Rise of Skywalker

One of the most crucial and surprising details confirmed by Lucasfilm is the film's setting. *Star Wars: Starfighter* is officially set approximately five years after the events of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*. This places the movie squarely in the most under-explored period of the main saga's timeline: the post-Sequel Trilogy era.

1. Exploring the New Republic's Fragile Peace

The decision to set the film after the defeat of the First Order and the Final Order is a massive opportunity for the franchise. The New Republic, recently re-established by the efforts of Rey Skywalker and the Resistance, is likely still in its nascent, fragile stages. *Starfighter* is expected to explore the political and military chaos that ensues when central authority collapses, even after a victory. This setting allows director Shawn Levy and writer Jonathan Tropper to build a new corner of the galaxy without being tethered to the Skywalker Saga's immediate aftermath. The film’s title, *Starfighter*, strongly implies a focus on aerial combat and the pilots who are trying to restore law and order to a fragmented galaxy. Gosling's character may be one of the few remaining New Republic operatives, a lone wolf with a critical mission.

2. Director Shawn Levy's Vision: Inspired by Return of the Jedi

Director Shawn Levy has expressed his deep commitment to the project, stating he is "in this galaxy full-time, all the time." In a key update, Levy revealed that his vision for *Starfighter* is most inspired by Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. This comparison suggests a few key stylistic and thematic elements:

• A Sense of Hope and Victory: Like *Return of the Jedi*, which concluded the original trilogy on a high note, *Starfighter* may focus on the optimism and rebuilding efforts following the Sequel Trilogy's conclusion.
• Ground-Level Action: While the film is titled *Starfighter*, Levy's inspiration could mean a balance between massive space battles and intimate, character-driven action on various planets, similar to the skirmish on Endor.
• Innovative Filmmaking: Levy is known for his innovative approach, particularly in his work on *Stranger Things* and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, which he promises to bring to the *Star Wars* franchise.

The A-List Star-Studded Cast Joining Gosling

The most recent and definitive update came in August 2025, when Lucasfilm announced the full cast list for *Star Wars: Starfighter* on the first day of production. This ensemble cast is packed with major Hollywood talent, ensuring the film has significant topical authority beyond Ryan Gosling’s name.

3. The Full Starfighter Ensemble (Entity List)

The addition of these actors, many of whom are known for their dramatic and versatile roles, signals a serious, character-focused approach to the story. The confirmed cast includes:

• Ryan Gosling: The lead, rumored Jedi/New Republic Pilot.
• Flynn Gray: Plays the 15-year-old Padawan/nephew.
• Amy Adams: Academy Award nominee, a major surprise addition.
• Matt Smith: Known for *Doctor Who* and *House of the Dragon*.
• Mia Goth: Critically acclaimed actress from the horror genre (*Pearl*, *X*).
• Aaron Pierre: Rising star from *The Underground Railroad*.
• Simon Bird: Known for his comedic roles in *The Inbetweeners*.
• Jamael Westman: A prominent stage actor.
• Daniel Ings: Known for *The Crown* and *Lovesick*.

The presence of actors like Amy Adams and Mia Goth suggests that the supporting roles are not mere side characters but integral parts of the narrative. Adams, in particular, is rumored to play a pivotal figure who entrusts Gosling with the mission to protect the Padawan.

4. The Plot's Core Conflict: Jedi Training vs. Space Chase

While Lucasfilm is keeping the tightest lid on specific character names and plot points, the consistent leaks point to a central conflict that blends Jedi mythology with a high-stakes space thriller. The story revolves around Gosling’s character having to go on the run, using a starfighter as his primary means of transport and defense, to keep his young nephew safe. This is not just a mentorship story; it’s a desperate chase across the stars. The inclusion of Matt Smith and Mia Goth in the cast has fueled speculation they may play the two "evil bad guys" or antagonists pursuing the pair. The film is poised to answer a major question: What does a Jedi look like in the post-Palpatine, post-Luke Skywalker era? Gosling's character is described as either a Jedi or a Force-sensitive operative, suggesting a new, perhaps less dogmatic, interpretation of the Jedi Order in the New Republic.

5. The Final Countdown: Release Date and Production Details

The long wait for the next *Star Wars* theatrical event is officially scheduled to end on a specific date, which has been confirmed by Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company. *Star Wars: Starfighter* is set for an exclusive theatrical release on May 28, 2027. The production is being handled by Lucasfilm, with Kathleen Kennedy serving as a producer, alongside Shawn Levy's own production company, 21 Laps. The fact that the full cast was announced on the first day of production, and that the director is already on set and speaking about his vision, indicates that the project is moving forward aggressively and on schedule for its 2027 release date. This movie, with its fresh timeline, A-list cast, and a director known for blending action with heart, is positioned to be a massive commercial and critical success. *Star Wars: Starfighter* is not just another space opera; it's the beginning of a new chapter for the galaxy, led by one of Hollywood's most compelling stars.