Ryan Gosling says major franchise fare “never felt right” until Star Wars: Starfighter: “It is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”

Ryan Gosling has finally explained what kept him from signing on to major Hollywood franchises for most of his career — and why Star Wars: Starfighter was the project that changed his mind. The actor, long known for steering clear of superhero tentpoles and sprawling action sagas, is set to headline the upcoming Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy.

Speaking to io9, Gosling pointed to a specific combination of factors that made this one feel different: Levy’s energy, a clear creative direction, and a script that clicked. “It was Shawn’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script,” he said. “And I just avoided these things because they never felt right. And I’m glad I did because I feel like… it was worth waiting for. And it is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Part of that appeal may be the film’s commitment to telling a standalone story. Writer Jonathan Tropper has said the movie won’t lean on familiar faces, confirming there will be “no legacy characters.” In other words, audiences shouldn’t expect to see returning characters from previous films — the story is designed to introduce an entirely new set of players.

Lucasfilm has also confirmed where the movie sits on the timeline: Star Wars: Starfighter takes place after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, pushing the saga forward rather than revisiting earlier eras.

Plot details remain under wraps, but the cast around Gosling is already drawing attention. He’ll be joined by newcomer Flynn Gray, House of the Dragon star Matt Smith, Mia Goth (Pearl), Aaron Pierre (Lanterns), and Amy Adams (Arrival).

Levy has previously described the project as a fresh entry that still respects what came before. Back in November, he said the film “inherits legacy themes,” but is deliberately aiming to feel new rather than nostalgic-by-default.

“It is different in that it is an all-new non-sequel, non-prequel adventure,” Levy explained. “It’s new characters, it’s a new timeline. It inherits legacy themes, but it’s really trying to give Star Wars [fans] — and just movie audiences — something fresh, something new. And with a spirit of play and big-hearted adventure with moments of real levity that, frankly, A New Hope had in a revolutionary way.”

He also emphasized that Lucasfilm has encouraged him to take creative swings rather than replicate the past. “It’s a huge, invigorating opportunity because Lucasfilm has been so encouraging of me doing something new,” Levy said. “There’s no pressure to be derivative or limited by an obligation to what came before. There’s just a love of what came before.”

Star Wars: Starfighter is currently scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. Until then, the film remains one of the most closely watched upcoming chapters in the franchise — not because it’s returning to familiar territory, but because it’s promising to chart a new course beyond the Skywalker era.