Ryan Gosling Rumored for Deadpool and Wolverine Director's Star Wars Project

Shawn Levy, director of Deadpool and Wolverine, is reportedly in talks to helm a new Star Wars film, with Ryan Gosling potentially starring. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that negotiations are underway to secure Gosling for the lead role. Levy has been developing this project since 2022, with a script finalized last year. He's re-teaming with Jonathan Tropper, screenwriter for This Is Where I Leave You and The Adam Project, both Levy-directed films.

Plot details remain tightly under wraps, with no confirmation on Gosling's character or the film's temporal setting within the Star Wars timeline. However, it's confirmed to be outside the Skywalker Saga. The project is intended as a standalone film, ruling out a planned trilogy.

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Gosling's potential involvement has accelerated the film's production timeline. While Levy was previously slated to direct a boy band movie starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, THR suggests that Gosling's casting would prioritize the Star Wars film, pushing its production start to the fall.

The Star Wars franchise is currently in a transition phase. Following the cancellation of The Acolyte, Disney+ recently concluded its Skeleton Crew series. On the film front, Dave Filoni's Mandalorian and Grogu movie completed filming in December, targeting a May 22, 2026 release. A new trilogy focusing on Daisy Ridley's Rey is also in the works.

A release date for Levy's Star Wars film remains unannounced, pending its progression this year. For a comprehensive overview of upcoming Star Wars projects, consult our preview of Star Wars in 2025.