‘Star Wars’ Shocker: Ryan Gosling in Talks to Star in Shawn Levy’s Movie (Exclusive)

Ryan Gosling is headed to the great galaxy far, far away.

The three-time Academy Award nominee is currently in discussions for the lead role in the upcoming “Star Wars” movie, which is set to be helmed by director Shawn Levy, known for his work on “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.

As a die-hard Star Wars fan, I can tell you that getting information about any new Star Wars project is more challenging than nabbing the Death Star’s blueprints. Just like everyone else, I’ve been eagerly following Levy’s Star Wars feature since 2022. Jonathan Tropper, a collaborator of Levy on movies such as “This is Where I Leave You” and “The Adam Project”, has been tirelessly working on the script for over a year now. Intriguingly, Levy is also producing this project under his 21 Laps banner, teaming up with Star Wars overseers Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm to bring this exciting new chapter in the saga to life.

It’s not clear when Levy’s project takes place, as Star Wars tales span over hundreds of years, encompassing events from a galactic republic to a dictatorship and then a rebellion. Additionally, it’s uncertain if the story revolves around Jedis and their adversaries, The Sith. However, we do know that this project will not be connected to the Skywalker Saga, which focuses on Luke Skywalker and his father Anakin, two iconic characters.

According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, this film is intended to be a solo production, and Lucasfilm has declined to comment on any potential deals or specifics about the project.

Reports indicate that the Gosling project has become a last-minute addition to Levy’s film lineup. Initially, Levy was planning to direct a boy band movie at Paramount, where he would collaborate again with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. However, Gosling’s sudden involvement in the Star Wars project has propelled it into high gear. If a deal is finalized, this project could not only be Levy’s next film but also the upcoming Star Wars production to commence shooting, possibly as early as fall this year. Notably, The Mandalorian and Grogu finished filming in mid-December and are set for release on May 22, 2026.

Gosling’s casting in Star Wars signifies an uncommon instance where a major star will join the cast of a Star Wars movie. Unlike the original trilogy, which launched the careers of up-and-coming actors and British veterans like Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, the prequels mainly followed this pattern, although Liam Neeson was added after his Oscar nomination for Schindler’s List. The Disney era, with J.J. Abrams at the helm, combined both approaches, introducing new talent while also reprising roles from the original cast members.

Interestingly enough, back in 2013, there was a hint of fate when Gosling’s name was mentioned for a role in Star Wars. Online whispers suggested that he and Zac Efron were being considered by Abrams for a family-related part, which could have evolved into the character of Kylo Ren.

Previously known for his role in Universal’s “Fall Guy,” the actor is currently represented by both Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Sloane Offer. He has recently completed work on “Project Hail Marry,” another interstellar film, produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

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2025-01-22 01:24