Director Shawn Levy recently sat down with Fandango correspondent Zuri Hall to talk about his upcoming movie Star Wars: Starfighter. During the conversation, Levy did not hold back his praise for the film’s lead actor, Ryan Gosling. The director explained why he believes Gosling is the right choice for any kind of movie, not just big sci-fi adventures. Levy also gave fans a closer look at what to expect from Gosling’s character in the new Star Wars film, which is set to arrive in theaters next summer.
Why Shawn Levy Thinks Ryan Gosling Works in Every Genre
Levy told Fandango that Ryan Gosling succeeds in every type of film. Whether it is drama, comedy, romance, or action, Gosling delivers strong performances across the board. The director pointed out that Star Wars: Starfighter has many different elements. The movie includes romance, humor, drama, and big action sequences. Levy felt that very few actors could handle such a wide range of tones in one film. He believed Gosling was the perfect fit for the job.
“There’s just very few actors who have the depth and the authenticity to be believable and real in every moment, but are also sort of gloriously entertaining and funny and charming.”
Levy went on to describe Gosling’s acting style as authentic and deeply human. At the same time, the actor brings charm and humor to his roles. The director said Gosling stands out because he can bring depth and honesty to every scene. He also keeps a lightness that keeps audiences interested. Levy compared Gosling’s work approach to that of a calm athlete. He said Gosling works with confidence and lets the performance come to him naturally. This relaxed style makes him perfect for the role of Kade Auberon in Star Wars: Starfighter.
Levy also called his collaboration with Gosling more than just professional. He described their relationship as an incredible brotherhood.
Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars Character: Kade Auberon
Ryan Gosling plays a character named Kade Auberon in Star Wars: Starfighter. Gosling described his character as “a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy whose fate is intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built”. The movie is set during the New Jedi Order Era. It takes place five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
In the footage shown at D23, Gosling’s character finds a young boy playing with his decommissioned starfighter. The boy is played by newcomer Flynn Gray. Kade tells the boy that the ship is the fastest ever built. When the boy says he has never heard of it, Kade replies, “There’s a reason for that”. The footage then shows the starfighter being tested across the galaxy.
Levy said the movie “takes place in a period of time that had never been shown in a Star Wars adventure”. The director explained that the story is neither a prequel nor a sequel. It is a completely original story set in a timeline never explored before.
The Chemistry Between Gosling and Young Star Flynn Gray
Shawn Levy also talked about the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray. The director said he knew Gray was right for the role when he met him. But he truly knew when he saw Gosling and Gray together in the same room.
“I knew it when I met Flynn, but I really knew it when I had Flynn and Ryan in the room together because their chemistry was so effortless.”
Levy mentioned that Gray has a similar quality to Gosling. His presence is strong even without trying. In the film, Gosling’s character Kade has to safely escort Gray’s character to a hidden Jedi refuge planet called Adaria. Reports suggest Gray’s character could be Kade’s nephew or the child of Kade’s late best friend.
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Star Wars: Starfighter Release Date and Cast
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. Levy shared that the movie will release on the same weekend that the original Star Wars came out exactly 50 years earlier. He called this coincidence a dream come true.
The film features a star-studded supporting cast. Matt Smith (House of the Dragon) is reportedly playing the villain. Mia Goth (MaXXXine) also stars in the film. Other cast members include Aaron Pierre (Lanterns), Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners), Jamael Westman (Hamilton), Daniel Ings (Lovesick), and six-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams.
The movie was directed by Shawn Levy from a script by Jonathan Tropper. Claudio Miranda, the cinematographer known for Top Gun: Maverick and F1, brought a lush visual style to the film. The crew filmed some scenes in Sardinia, Italy, giving the movie a distinct look compared to past Star Wars locations like Tatooine or Hoth.
Star Wars: Starfighter will be the 13th live-action film in the Star Wars franchise. It follows the nine films in the Skywalker Saga, plus Rogue One, Solo, and The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Levy and Gosling are also teaming up again for a Ghost Rider movie for Marvel Studios. That project is expected to hit theaters in 2028. Gosling has been campaigning to play the character for years.
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