Shawn Levy's standalone Star Wars film circling Ryan Gosling to star

Ryan Gosling is reportedly in talks to star in Shawn Levy's upcoming Star Wars feature project. If it materialises, then the project will mark the first collaboration between the three-time Oscar nominee and the Deadpool and Wolverine filmmaker.

While it is known that Levy has been developing a Star Wars project since 2022, details on the project are still largely under wraps. Jonathan Tropper, who worked with Levy on films like This Is Where I Leave You and The Adam Project, has been working on a script for the film for more than a year. The upcoming project is backed by Levy's 21 Laps, Kathleen Kennedy, and Lucasfilm.

The film, according to sources, will not be tied to the iconic Skywalker Saga, distancing itself from the stories of Luke Skywalker, Anakin, and the ongoing Jedi-Sith conflict.

Gosling’s involvement has sparked a shift in the production timeline, pushing Levy’s film to the forefront of the Star Wars slate. The director, previously set to helm a boy band movie for Paramount featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, redirected his focus after Gosling expressed interest. Filming is expected to begin as early as this fall, positioning Levy’s project as the next Star Wars film to enter production.

This development marks a rare instance of an A-list actor headlining a Star Wars feature. The franchise has traditionally favoured lesser-known talents, such as Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley, turning them into household names. Occasionally, established stars like Liam Neeson have been brought on to lend gravitas, as seen in The Phantom Menace. Gosling’s addition to the cast would inject a fresh dynamic into the Star Wars universe while maintaining its tradition of compelling storytelling.

Interestingly, this is not Gosling’s first brush with Star Wars. In 2013, rumours suggested that he was being considered for a role in JJ Abrams’ trilogy, possibly as Kylo Ren. While that casting never came to fruition, his potential involvement now feels like a full-circle moment. The actor, who recently wrapped the sci-fi film Project Hail Mary with directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, is no stranger to space-faring narratives.

The Star Wars franchise continues to expand its scope, exploring a variety of timelines and narratives beyond its central sagas. Levy’s film will be one of these standalone entries, according to a report in The Hollywood Reporter. Lucasfilm has yet to comment on the project or provide further details.