From playing a drug-addicted history teacher in “Half Nelson” to the show-stealing Ken in “Barbie,” Ryan Gosling is no stranger to versatility and he might just become the face of an upcoming “Star Wars” movie.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Canadian actor is in talks to star in the next “Star Wars” movie, to be directed by Montreal-born filmmaker Shawn Levy.
Here’s what we know so far.
What do we know about the new movie?
Little is known about the upcoming “Star Wars” project, but it was revealed by Deadline in late 2022 that a movie was in negotiations to be directed by Levy once he wrapped up the production on his other projects, including “Deadpool 3” and at least two episodes of the final season of Netflix horror series “Stranger Things.”
In July 2024, Deadline confirmed Levy would partner again with screenwriter Jonathan Tropper who will pen the “Star Wars” film after previously working with Levy on science-fiction adventure film “The Adam Project” and 2014 drama-comedy “This Is Where I Leave You.”
The film will be produced under Levy’s 21 Laps banner alongside Lucasfilm, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios long known for creating and producing the “Star Wars” franchise.
The last “Star Wars” film produced by Lucasfilm that hit theatres was “Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker,” released in 2019, which was the final part of the sequel trilogy that started in 2015 with “The Force Awakens” followed by 2017’s “The Last Jedi.”
That trilogy reportedly grossed over $4.4 billion at the box office worldwide with each movie surpassing $1 billion globally, however it was largely considered a disappointment with critics calling it misguided and having a scattered narrative.
The Hollywood Reporter says the new movie is “meant to be a stand-alone film.”
Gosling was previously rumoured in 2013 to be playing the role of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy, but the character was portrayed by actor Adam Driver in all three movies.
The upcoming “Star Wars” film doesn’t have a release date yet and Lucasfilm hasn’t released any details.
Who is Shawn Levy?
Shawn Levy is a Canadian director and actor, and founder of 21 Laps Entertainment. He, like Gosling, has worked on various genres of films including his latest, the well-received “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which saw immense success at the box office last year, becoming the second highest grossing film of 2024 with $1.3 billion worldwide. It broke the record for the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” starred fellow Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, appearing as Deadpool alongside Australian actor Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.”
Levy has also directed well-known films such as “Night at the Museum” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.”
What has Ryan Gosling been up to?
Other than becoming one of the most iconic memes of 2024 after reacting with a side-eye when his song “I’m Just Ken” from film “Barbie” won a Critics Choice Award last year, the London, Ontario-born Gosling has been keeping himself busy wrapping up filming for sci-fi adventure movie “Project Hail Mary” which is a depiction of Andy Weir’s novel of the same name and will be released on March 20, 2026.
The three-time Oscar-nominated actor also starred in 2024 action-comedy “The Fall Guy” and played Ken in the critically acclaimed “Barbie” movie in 2023.
How are fans reacting?
Fans took to social media to express their feelings on Gosling potentially entering the “Star Wars” universe.
Some fans are happy for Gosling but are not interested in Levy directing the film.
Others are concerned the movie may not see the light of day.
One fan thinks Ryan Reynolds might guest star in the film due to Levy’s many previous projects with the Canadian actor.
“When Ryan Reynolds ends up making a cameo on that Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie,” the fan said on X.
On a positive note, some fans are excited about the entire production.
