Star Wars: Starfighteris the next release ofStar Wars’upcoming moviesafterThe Mandalorian and Grogu, and these 10 Ryan Gosling roles prove he’s ready to play the lead in aStar Warsmovie. Among the most shockingreveals at Star Wars Celebration 2025was the news that Shawn Levy’s movie was titledStarfighterand would star Ryan Gosling.
Although there had been rumors to that effect, Gosling is a huge name, which is somethingStar Warsmovies and TV showstypically avoid in their casting. This has led to speculation from some that Gosling might not be the best fit, butthese 10 Ryan Gosling movies confirm he’s more than capable of starring inStarfighter.
10The Nice Guys
Released In: 2016
Ryan Gosling starred opposite Russell Crowe inThe Nice Guys, a buddy comedy in which Gosling and Crowe play a pair of private eyes. The movie was generally well-received, with an impressive 91% critic score onRotten Tomatoesand the audience score not far behind at 79%.
A comedy might not seem like a fit forStar Wars, but certain aspects of this movie prove Gosling is up to the task. Alongside Gosling’s acting chops, which are always on display, much of the praise for the movie centered on Crowe and Gosling’s dynamic, particularly their ability to play off one another and their ‘tough guy’ personas.
No,Star Warsisn’t typically considered comedic (but many of the shows and movies do have their very funny moments), yet this skill of establishing chemistry on screen would certainly come in handy in a franchise that so heavily focuses on characters and their relationships. There have also been many brilliant ‘tough guys’ inStar Wars, most notably Han Solo.
9Crazy, Stupid, Love
Released In: 2011
Crazy, Stupid, Loveis yet another comedy in Ryan Gosling’s filmography, this one specifically a romantic comedy. In this movie, Gosling plays opposite Steve Carell, essentially serving as a guide to make Carrell’s character more confident as he navigates a separation from his wife.
In that aspect ofCrazy, Stupid, Love, Gosling plays a suave player with a bit of an ego, yet his romantic storyline with Emma Stone’s character reveals a completely different side to him.What makes this a particularly solid example of Gosling’s preparedness forStarfighteris the extent of his versatility in terms of roles he can play.
Currently, we don’t know precisely whatStarfighterwill entail, although the title offers some hints. Presumably, Gosling will be playing the titular starfighter pilot, which, throughouttheStar Warstimeline, has been a role associated with a bit of an ego (such as with Han Solo and Poe Dameron) but also a softer side. Gosling would be ready for both.
8Fracture
Released In: 2007
Fracturefeels somewhat unique in Ryan Gosling’s filmography, as it’s a psychological thriller. At this point, Gosling has played many different roles in various genres, but he’s certainly become best known for comedies. Yet,Fracturesees Gosling play Willy Beachum, a hot-shot lawyer who is going toe-to-toe with a man who shot his wife and, bizarrely, confessed.
With so many comedies under Gosling’s belt, it’s encouraging to see that he can play a serious role as well. This would theoretically be the perfect blend forStar Wars, in fact, as many ofStar Wars’best movieshave found a balance between funny and lighthearted and serious, at times rather dark themes.
7La La Land
Perhaps another surprising movie on this list,La La Landis one of Gosling’s best projects to date, and it more than reassures me that he will be brilliant inStarfighter. On the surface,La La Landis a musical and a romantic comedy, and while both things are true,La La Landis actually an incredibly heartbreaking movie.
This movie is far from a typical romantic comedy, especially given the outcome for the couple, and it’s a story that continues to haunt those who love the movie. Again, we don’t know whatStarfighterwill entail, but if there is a heavier component to this story, which is certainly possible inStar Wars, Gosling is obviously ready.
6The Notebook
Released In: 2004
One of Gosling’s most iconic roles of all time is young Noah inThe Notebook, the romantic lead who acts opposite Rachel McAdams' Allie. This movie is a beloved romantic classic for a reason. Not only is the story powerful and touching, but also,The Notebook’sleads give stunning performances, particularly Gosling and McAdams.
Gosling beautifully portrays an array of emotions inThe Notebook(though his scene asking Allie what she wants with increasing frustration is especially popular). It’s not all that likely that Gosling will have an intense romantic arc inStarfighter—although, never say never withStar Wars—but his ability to capture such emotions will undoubtedly come in handy.
5Barbie
Released In: 2023
One of Ryan Gosling’s most recent characters, and certainly one of his most well-known at this point, was Ken inBarbie. This may cause some to bristle as a connection to his upcomingStar Warsrole, but the truth is,Gosling’s incredible performance in this movie proves he can shine inStarfighter.
In a movie that is obviously focused on Barbie, as the title alone makes clear, Gosling frequently stole the spotlight, and his humor, talent, and chemistry with his co-stars on screen were all evident throughout. While we won’t likely see Gosling singing, dancing, and wearing colorful outfits inStarfighter, I hope he brings this energy to hisStar Warsrole.
In a movie that is obviously focused on Barbie, as the title alone makes clear, Gosling frequently stole the spotlight.
4Drive
In yet another more serious movie, Ryan Gosling plays the (otherwise unnamed) Driver ofDrive, an action/drama that sees Gosling in the leading role. Similar to some other movies in Gosling’s filmography, this movie involves a robbery, although it offers a unique spin because Gosling isn’t exactly a full-fledged criminal in the story.
Rather, he’s a Hollywood stuntman, which adds a fascinating element to this role. Like several other Gosling movies,Drivehas impressiveRotten Tomatoesscores, with a 93% rating from critics and a 79% from audiences. Unsurprisingly,Gosling’s performance is frequently called out in positive reviews, solidifying that he’s got the talent forStar Wars.
3The Fall Guy
Released In: 2024
The Fall Guyis a very recent addition to Gosling’s filmography, as it came out just last year, but it proved thatGosling is still brilliant in roles that combine action, romance, and comedy. InThe Fall Guy, Gosling plays Colt Seavers—interestingly, another stuntman— who is grappling with challenges both at work and in his love life.
On top of those complications, Colt is also trying to solve a mystery, which only adds to the dynamism of the character and the story. The tone of this movie, while perhaps a bit sillier than mostStar Warsprojects, also suggests Gosling would be a great fit for theStar Warsfranchise.
2The Place Beyond The Pines
Released In: 2012
The Place Beyond the Pinesis arguably Gosling’s most underrated movie. Released in 2012,The Place Beyond the Pinesdidn’t get much attention, particularly relative to the star power of the cast. Eva Mendes and Bradley Cooper were also leads in the movie (and, notably,AndorandRogue One: A Star Wars Story’sBen Mendelsohn also played a role).
Despite that limited attention,The Place Beyond the Pinesseems to have landed with many who saw it, as the movie currently has a 79% critic score and 75% audience score onRotten Tomatoes. This score is more than reasonable—in fact, I’d argue it deserves higher—as the story and the action are both compelling.
Gosling is particularly impressive in this movie, as he plays a troubled but somehow sympathetic bank robber who is just trying to do his best. This has me more than convinced that,no matter what the storyline inStarfighter, Gosling is more than ready to bring a dynamic performance to theStar Warsfranchise.
1Blade Runner 2049
Released In: 2017
The single best movie that proves Ryan Gosling’s potential to be brilliant inStarfighterisBlade Runner 2049. In fact,Blade Runner 2049, much likeStar Warsitself, is considered a sci-fi epic. That alone suggests Gosling has the background to be an excellent leading actor in aStar Warsmovie.
Blade Runner 2049, much likeStar Warsitself, is considered a sci-fi epic.
Gosling’s character in this movie in particular supports this, though, as he plays ‘K,’ the hero and the lead. Notably,this movie also starred Harrison Ford, only further convincing me that Gosling is ready for theStar Warsfranchise. If Gosling can act opposite one ofStar Wars’greatest heroes, then, surely, he will be ready for the role.
While some will no doubt remain resistant to Ryan Gosling’s leading role inStar Wars: Starfighter, these 10 movies have me convinced he will be excellent in this newStar Warsmovie.
