Lucasfilm’s new ‘Star Wars’ movie starring Ryan Gosling gets major release update
Ryan Gosling's 'Star Wars' project will soon arrive in theaters on May 28, 2027. Titled 'Star Wars: Starfighter,' it came with some surprises for the franchise's fans at the D23 Expo. The fandom exploded on social media when Lucasfilm released new footage from the movie, featuring Gosling's Kade Auberon, along with a new character played by Flynn Gray. In the sequence, Kade confronts the boy about touching his decommissioned Starfighter, calling it the "fastest ever built" of its kind, per Variety. The boy retorts by saying that he has "never heard of it." Auberon quickly replies, "There's a reason for that."
The movie takes place five years after 2019's 'Episode 9: The Rise of Skywalker.' Though no characters from the sequel trilogy appear, there are several touchstones such as speeder bikes and the famous bridge from where Luke Skywalker and Leia swing over. It seems that Kade and the character played by Flynn are partners in crime going on an adventure. Characters from previous movies may reprise their parts in the upcoming movie. The footage is not yet publicly available.
Ryan Gosling is Kade Auberon.
— Star Wars (@starwars) August 15, 2026
Experience Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, only in theaters May 28, 2027. pic.twitter.com/hoFlXv8nLL
Gosling was present during the event and talked about his character in the movie. "Kade is a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy, whose fate is intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built," Gosling said, according to Star Wars. Director Shawn Levy also shared his thoughts at the event. He revealed that, like George Lucas, he was also inspired by American car culture for his work in the saga. "I am so honored to release this film on the same weekend that the original film opened 50 years earlier," he shared. "Starfighter embodies the themes of hope, family, and adventure that have always been core to Star Wars, but our story takes place in a period of time that has never been seen before, which has been a privilege to create and explore."
Gosling and Gray are joined by an incredible ensemble featuring Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams. Levy stated that the standalone movie will be character-driven. "This Star Wars story is firmly rooted in character, brought to life by these amazing actors and all within an adventure that's filled with humor, danger, spectacle and the joyous spirit that has been the beating heart of this 50-year legacy that we all love so much," he said. The movie is important for the 'Star Wars' franchise, which recently experienced a downturn with its latest release, 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.' Fans and the team are both hopeful that Gosling's star power can bring the glory the 'Star Wars' universe has been missing for a long time.