Ryan Gosling swears the standout moment of his Star Wars shoot wasn’t a dogfight or a lightsaber clash. So which unlikely co-star barged in from the background and ended up immortalized on his shelf?
In a BBC Radio interview, Ryan Gosling described how a creature meant for the background became the centerpiece of his most cherished moment on Star Wars: Starfighter after he asked to share a scene with it. The collaboration left such a mark that he took home a model of the creature as a wrap gift, now displayed at his home. The film unfolds roughly five years after The Rise of Skywalker, pairing Gosling with Flynn Gray and a lineup featuring Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams. Directed by Shawn Levy from a screenplay by Jonathan Tropper, it is slated to hit theaters on May 28, 2027.
A new chapter for Ryan Gosling in the Star Wars galaxy
Ryan Gosling has finally peeled back the curtain—just a little—on “Star Wars: Starfighter,” speaking with a relaxed smile during a chat on BBC Radio. He called it a fresh lane in the saga, charting new ground while honoring the old guard. Set 5 years after “The Rise of Skywalker” (a timeline ripe for reinvention), the film positions Gosling at the center of a story fans are eager to discover.
A creature turned centerpiece
Gosling visited the creature shop early, scoping out designs like a kid with a backstage pass. He didn’t want elaborate builds drifting by as set dressing. He found one quirky marvel slated for the background and asked for a proper scene with it. The request stuck. What followed, he says, became one of the most fun moments of his career, stitched from spontaneity, curiosity, and practical wizardry.
A keepsake to remember
The story doesn’t end at “cut.” As a wrap present, the team crafted a model of that very creature, details intact and personality preserved. It now lives in his home, equal parts conversation piece and private time capsule. He hinted there’s an off-camera tale behind it (one he’d share if the microphones weren’t on), which only deepens the charm of this oddball co-star.
Bringing the film to life
“Star Wars: Starfighter” comes from director Shawn Levy and writer Jonathan Tropper, whose pairing suggests pace, humor, and heart. The narrative tracks an unlikely partnership between Gosling’s complicated lead and a dynamic younger counterpart, played by Flynn Gray. Around them, a cast with real voltage—Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams—builds a charged ensemble (a welcome blend for legacy fans and newcomers alike).
Aaron Pierre
Simon Bird
Jamael Westman
Daniel Ings
Mark your calendar
Circle May 28, 2027. That’s when “Star Wars: Starfighter” lands in theaters, promising propulsive action, textured character beats, and the tactile delights that set this franchise apart. Gosling’s evident delight—especially with his creature collaborator—signals a film made with generosity and nerve. If that backstage spark makes it onscreen, audiences could be in for something warmly memorable.