Lucasfilm is pushing forward with its post-Skywalker era plans, and one of the biggest projects on the horizon is the upcoming Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine, Stranger Things). In a recent update, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that the film will take place 5-6 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, setting the stage for a galaxy in transition.
A New Story—With Possible Familiar Faces?
Unlike some of the other announced Star Wars films, Levy’s project is being developed as a standalone story featuring an all-new cast of characters. However, Kennedy teased the possibility of cameo appearances from sequel trilogy characters, which means we might see some familiar faces. Could we get an update on Rey’s New Jedi Order? Is Finn finally getting his long-awaited Jedi storyline? Or will Poe Dameron make a return as a seasoned galactic leader?
While nothing is confirmed, this could be the first major film to properly expand on the sequel trilogy’s lingering threads.
Ryan Gosling in the Galaxy Far, Far Away?
One of the most intriguing rumors swirling around this project is the potential casting of Ryan Gosling in a leading role. Levy and Gosling previously collaborated on The Adam Project, and the director has made no secret of his desire to bring the actor into the Star Wars universe.
While Gosling’s role—if confirmed—remains a mystery, some fans speculate he could be playing a seasoned Jedi survivor, a rogue smuggler, or even a high-ranking Imperial remnant officer. Given Levy’s action-heavy directorial style, whoever Gosling plays is bound to be a dynamic and engaging character.
How This Fits Into Lucasfilm’s Larger Star Wars Plans
Levy’s film joins a growing slate of upcoming Star Wars projects aiming to explore new eras and stories beyond the Skywalker saga. James Mangold (Logan) is set to direct a film focused on the origins of the Jedi, while Dave Filoniwill helm a crossover movie tying together the events of The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett.
Levy’s film, however, seems to be carving out its own space, giving Star Wars a fresh start with a new generation of characters. With its placement just a few years after the sequel trilogy, this could be the movie that truly defines what comes next for the franchise.
When Can We Expect This Film?
While no official release date has been announced, Levy’s Star Wars movie is expected to begin production after “The Mandalorian & Grogu” film, which is set to release in May 2026. This means we likely won’t see this project until 2027 or later—but hey, what’s a few more years when you’ve already waited decades for the sequels?
Shawn Levy’s Star Wars film is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing additions to the franchise’s future lineup. With a timeline that bridges the sequels and whatever comes next, the potential involvement of Ryan Gosling, and new characters alongside possible returning favorites, this movie could be a turning point for the post-Skywalker era.
What do you think about this upcoming Star Wars project? Are you excited about the possibility of Ryan Gosling in a galaxy far, far away? Let us know in the comments!
