We have been waiting for new Star Wars movies. Excitement is in the air around the upcoming release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, but we have another film that is hopefully close behind it. As recently reported, Ryan Gosling is set to star in a movie that could really boost the Star Wars franchise. Not only does it have star and director power, but it also promises to lead us into new story directions.
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Gosling and Levy in Star Wars
Earlier this year, we found out that Ryan Gosling is in talks to star in a new Star Wars movie. On top of that, Gosling would be in a project directed by Shawn Levy, the Deadpool & Wolverine director. With that kind of momentum, this film could help bring Star Wars back to the big screen in a major way.
For about three years, Levy had been at work on this feature film meant to move away from the Skywalker saga. From Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, we learn that this is “a stand-alone” story that will take place roughly “five or six years” after Episode IX. She also confirmed that this Gosling-Levy movie is next scheduled for production and release.
As indicated in the above article, this is exciting news not only for the acting and directing power but also because it would be “a major first” by exploring the timeline after the sequels. This would come in advance of the Rey Skywalker film.
This film promises to push Star Wars out of its “feature-film holding pattern” by following up on The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. With Gosling’s “star power”, the movie could be fast-tracked and push through the holdup on feature films.
If all holds true, what else could this mean for the franchise?
What Else Does This Movie Mean for Star Wars?
Fans have provided some commentary about what this new movie means for Star Wars. As with the above, one post has expressed how “finally we’re getting content that moves forward” beyond Return of the Jedi or its aftermath. Another fan is hopeful because it could “have an idea of the political situation in the Galaxy” since it’s set about five or six years after Rise of Skywalker.
By bringing together a new timeframe and political twist, we could see original dynamics. Perhaps the movie would draw some on Andor and how this show explored the complexities of bureaucracies. And, we could add an interesting lead character.
We may agree that casting a top actor like Gosling pushes the franchise in a promising direction. Star Wars has tended to focus on “casting lesser-known actors in lead roles” to provide more authenticity. Yet, more recently we have witnessed a shift with Jude Law in the Skeleton Crew.
By following more of a star power formula, the franchise could awaken the narrative and action and draw in new audience members. We can compare this move to casting Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso in Rogue One, a purposeful move here to capitalize on her rising star status.
Like this successful movie, we should expect to see other lead roles that may draw on the lesser-known actor category and a strong supporting cast. We hope to see this upcoming movie follow in the footsteps of Rogue One and Andor.
Next Movie Up
It bodes well that the next movie after The Mandalorian & Grogu is anchored by Gosling and Levy. We can anticipate a follow-up film with a deeper storyline and acting ability. Perhaps we’ll see a whole new plot direction in a period yet to be explored.