AceShowbiz - Ryan Gosling will star alongside Flynn Gray in Star Wars: Starfighter, an upcoming film set after the events of Rise of Skywalker. The movie, directed by Shawn Levy, is slated for release on May 28, 2027, and follows the characters played by Gosling and Gray on a galactic journey pursued by a lightsaber-wielding mercenary portrayed by Mia Goth. Flynn Gray plays the nephew of Gosling’s character, marking a significant role for the young actor.

Casting the lead child actor proved challenging due to the stamina required and the need to ensure a smooth production experience, with casting directors Carmen Cuba and Nina Gold overseeing a demanding search. Amy Adams is rumored to be joining the cast as the force-sensitive mother of Gray’s character, adding another layer of intrigue to the film’s family dynamics. The cast also includes Aaron Pierre, Matt Smith, Jamael Westman, Simon Bird, and Daniel Ings, with Smith’s role remaining ambiguous regarding villainy.

Star Wars: Starfighter represents the first fully original Star Wars movie from Disney that is not connected to the Skywalker Saga or the MandoVerse, aiming to explore new characters and storylines within the franchise’s universe. Filming has wrapped, and the film is currently in post-production, which will include nearly a year of special effects work. Fans eagerly anticipate a trailer release, possibly debuting alongside December’s Avengers: Doomsday.

This project marks the last Star Wars film overseen by longtime Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, adding significance to its development and legacy. Directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on Marvel titles including Deadpool and Wolverine, the movie signals a fresh creative direction within the Star Wars franchise.

The involvement of Ryan Gosling, an actor with a diverse and acclaimed filmography, alongside rising talent Flynn Gray, highlights the film’s ambition to blend established star power with fresh faces. The casting challenges for Gray reflect the high expectations for this new chapter, positioning Star Wars: Starfighter as a pivotal installment that could redefine the future of the franchise beyond its legacy characters.