Ryan Gosling Unveiled as Kade Auberon in Star Wars: Starfighter
Ryan Gosling Returns to Disney for a Brand-New Star Wars Adventure
A Special Moment at D23
Imagine walking into a huge room filled with thousands of cheering fans. That’s exactly what happened at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. On stage stood Ryan Gosling—yes, the actor from Barbie, La La Land, and Blade Runner—right next to director Shawn Levy (the filmmaker behind Stranger Things and Free Guy).
They were there to share exciting news: a brand-new Star Wars movie called “Starfighter” is coming to theaters on May 28, 2027—right on Memorial Day weekend.
From Mouse Ears to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Important Point: Ryan Gosling’s journey with Disney started 30 years ago—long before he was a Hollywood star.
- As a kid, Ryan was part of The Mickey Mouse Club (a famous TV show that launched stars like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera).
- At D23, he wore a Mickey Mouse Club jacket just like the one from his childhood.
- He told the crowd:
“I owe a lot to Disney. Had they not looked far and wide and come to my hometown, I would not be here today. And now here I am 30 years later… I’m back and it’s changing my life again.”
Meet Kade Auberon: Ryan’s New Character
Ryan then switched jackets—this time wearing one inspired by his Starfighter character, Kade Auberon. The jacket even had a special inverted symbol on the back.
Here’s what we know about Kade so far:
- He’s “a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy.” (Think: rough neighborhood, but in space!)
- He’s a cynical rogue—meaning he’s seen it all, doesn’t trust easily, and plays by his own rules.
- His mysterious past catches up with him, hurling him into a dangerous adventure across the galaxy.
- The story puts him on a crash course with destiny.
Important Point: This is a standalone adventure—you won’t need to watch any other Star Wars movies to understand it.
Director Shawn Levy’s Vision
Shawn Levy shared why this movie means so much to him:
- Historic Timing: The film releases on the same weekend the original Star Wars opened 50 years earlier (1977 → 2027).
- Big Inspirations:
- George Lucas (creator of Star Wars)
- American car culture (hot rods, racing, wide-open roads)
- Movies like “The Outsiders” and Lucas’s own “American Graffiti”
- Core Themes: Hope, family, and adventure—the heart of Star Wars.
- Brand-New Era: The story takes place in a time period never seen before in Star Wars history.
- Tone: “A larger-than-life story that has joy, adventure, danger, and the unexpected.”
The All-Star Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Star (Kade Auberon) | Ryan Gosling |
| Co-Stars | Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, Amy Adams |
| Director | Shawn Levy |
| Producers | Shawn Levy, Kathleen Kennedy (President of Lucasfilm) |
| Executive Producers | Ryan Gosling, Dan Levine, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen |
| Screenwriter | Jonathan Tropper |
What Happens Next? (Your Countdown Checklist)
- Mark your calendar: May 28, 2027 – Opening weekend!
- Watch for trailers: Expect the first teaser sometime in 2026.
- Revisit the classics: The original Star Wars (1977) turns 50 that same year—perfect time for a rewatch.
- Follow official channels: StarWars.com and D23.com for updates.
- Speculate with friends: What does “wrong side of the galaxy” mean? What’s Kade’s mysterious past?
Quick Summary
- Ryan Gosling returned to Disney at D23 to reveal his new Star Wars movie: “Starfighter.”
- He plays Kade Auberon, a rogue from the “wrong side of the galaxy” dragged into an epic adventure.
- Director Shawn Levy promises a fresh era, inspired by classic car-culture films and the original Star Wars spirit.
- Huge cast includes Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Amy Adams, and more.
- Release date: May 28, 2027 (Memorial Day weekend)—50 years to the week after the first Star Wars premiered.
- It’s a standalone film—no homework required!
FAQ
Do I need to watch other Star Wars movies before seeing Starfighter?
Nope! It’s a standalone adventure set in a never-before-seen time period. You can walk in fresh.
Who is Kade Auberon?
He’s Ryan Gosling’s character—a cynical space rogue with a mysterious past who gets pulled into a galaxy-spanning adventure.
Why is the release date special?
May 28, 2027 marks the 50th anniversary weekend of the original Star Wars (released May 25, 1977).
Is this part of the main Skywalker saga?
No. It’s a standalone film, like Rogue One or Solo—its own complete story.
When will we see a trailer?
Usually, Star Wars teasers drop about a year before release—so keep an eye out in spring/summer 2026.
May the Force be with you… and see you in theaters in 2027!