Ryan Gosling Officially Cast as Kade Auberon in ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’
Ryan Gosling Joins Star Wars in Brand-New Movie Starfighter Coming 2027
The Big Announcement at D23
Imagine a giant room full of Disney super-fans. That’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This year, the crowd got a huge surprise when Ryan Gosling walked on stage with director Shawn Levy. Together, they announced a brand-new Star Wars movie called Star Wars: Starfighter.
Key Takeaway: The movie hits theaters on May 28, 2027—the exact same weekend the very first Star Wars film opened 50 years earlier!
Ryan Gosling’s Disney Roots
Long before he was a Hollywood A-lister, Ryan Gosling was a kid in The Mickey Mouse Club (a famous TV show for young performers). At D23, he wore a Mickey Mouse Club jacket just like the one from his childhood.
Gosling said:
“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: Gosling’s New Character
Gosling plays Kade Auberon, a brand-new hero in the Star Wars galaxy. To show he meant business, Gosling switched into a custom jacket featuring Kade’s symbol (an inverted logo on the back).
How Gosling describes Kade:
“Kade is a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy.”
What that means in simple terms:
Kade isn’t a shiny hero from a fancy planet. He’s a cynical rogue—think Han Solo vibes—who gets dragged into a dangerous adventure when his mysterious past catches up with him.
Exclusive Sneak Peek: The live audience at D23 got the very first look at footage from the movie. Lucky them!
Director Shawn Levy’s Vision
Shawn Levy (director of Free Guy, The Adam Project, and Stranger Things) shared why this movie feels special:
- Inspired by classics: He grew up loving American Graffiti (George Lucas’s early film) and The Outsiders—movies about cars, friendship, and growing up.
- New timeline: The story takes place in a period of Star Wars history never seen before.
- Core themes: Hope, family, adventure—plus “joy, danger, and the unexpected.”
Levy said:
“I am so honored to release this film on the same weekend that the original film opened 50 years earlier… It’s a larger-than-life story.”
The Star-Studded Cast
| Actor | Known For |
|---|---|
| Ryan Gosling | Drive, Blade Runner 2049, La La Land, Barbie |
| Flynn Gray | Rising star |
| Matt Smith | Doctor Who, The Crown |
| Mia Goth | Pearl, X |
| Aaron Pierre | The Underground Railroad |
| Simon Bird | The Inbetweeners |
| Jamael Westman | Hamilton (West End) |
| Daniel Ings | The Crown, Sex Education |
| Amy Adams | Arrival, Enchanted, Sharp Objects |
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Making the Film
| Role | Name(s) |
|---|---|
| Director | Shawn Levy |
| Producers | Shawn Levy, Kathleen Kennedy (Lucasfilm President) |
| Executive Producers | Ryan Gosling, Dan Levine, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen |
| Screenwriter | Jonathan Tropper (This Is Where I Leave You) |
Fun Fact: Ryan Gosling isn’t just the star—he’s also an executive producer, meaning he helps shape the whole project.
Important Release Details
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Star Wars: Starfighter
Standalone adventure (no homework required!)
Theatrical Release: May 28, 2027
Memorial Day Weekend — 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars debut
Summary
- Ryan Gosling joins Star Wars as Kade Auberon, a rogue from the “wrong side of the galaxy.”
- The film is called Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy.
- It’s a standalone story set in a never-before-seen era of the galaxy.
- Huge cast includes Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Amy Adams, and more.
- Releases May 28, 2027—the 50th anniversary weekend of the original Star Wars.
- First footage shown exclusively at D23 to a cheering crowd.
FAQ
Do I need to watch all the other Star Wars movies first?
Nope! This is a standalone adventure. You can walk in fresh and enjoy the ride.
Who is Kade Auberon?
He’s Ryan Gosling’s character—a cynical rogue with a mysterious past who gets pulled into a galaxy-spanning adventure. Think “reluctant hero with a fast ship.”
Is this part of the main Skywalker saga?
No. It’s a brand-new story in a brand-new time period, separate from the Skywalker family storyline.
Why is the release date special?
May 28, 2027 marks 50 years to the weekend since the original Star Wars (1977) hit theaters. Director Shawn Levy calls it a huge honor.
Will there be more movies with these characters?
It’s too early to say! Since it’s a standalone film, the story could wrap up in one movie—or leave the door open for more. We’ll have to wait and see.
May the Force be with you… and see you in theaters in 2027!