Ryan Gosling seems to have officially entered the galaxy far, far away, and he might be appearing as the new Han Solo. Well, yes, filming has started on Star Wars: Starfighter, the brand-new movie directed by Shawn Levy. And Gosling is leading the star-studded cast with Matt Smith, Amy Adams, and Aaron Pierre. Plus, it has been revealed that the story takes place a few years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Now, while Disney and Lucasfilm are keeping most details under wraps, fans just got their first exciting tease. Shawn Levy shared a photo from the set via Instagram, showing Ryan Gosling with young actor Flynn Gray. The two appear to be floating on a mysterious water setting, which seems to be hinting at the possibility of Gosling playing the next Han Solo. That could be thrilling for the franchise, but it also risks dividing hardcore fans.
Ryan Gosling as the Potential Han Solo Might Prove Beneficial for Star Wars
Before we proceed any further, let’s make it clear once more that there is no official word yet that Ryan Gosling is playing a Han Solo–type role in Star Wars: Starfighter. Still, we’re assuming that the actor might be the next Han Solo, based on the early set photo and his career history. And if it turns out to be true, the Star Wars
After all, Ryan Gosling has built his reputation by taking on different kinds of roles, from dark and serious performances in Blade Runner 2049 and The Place Beyond the Pines to more fun and lighthearted characters like Ken in Barbie. And, this balance of charm, humor, and bravery is what makes him the perfect choice for our favorite Corellian smuggler.
Because if Gosling does play the role of Han Solo, it could give Star Wars something that has been missing. Han Solo was not just a hero; he was unpredictable, funny, and human. That mix of qualities made him stand out from other characters in the original trilogy. Star Wars has not had a new character like that in recent years.
Many of the newer heroes, like Rey, Finn, or Poe, were written as serious, hopeful, or noble figures. What Star Wars now needs is a character who is flawed yet lovable, someone who makes mistakes but still comes out on top. And we believe Ryan Gosling could bring that exact energy back into the franchise by donning the fan-favorite role.
Star Wars Fandom Needs to Move on From Harrison Ford to Save the Franchise
But then again, if Ryan Gosling truly takes over the role of Han Solo in Star Wars: Starfighter, it might stir chaos among the diehard fans of the franchise. After all, they believe Harrison Ford’s Han Solo cannot be recreated. And to some extent it’s true. Han Solo is a legendary character, and Ford’s performance has become one of the most iconic in movie history.
However, fans often forget that Han was not perfect. Yes, he was brave, but he was also clumsy and often out of his depth. He may have taken down stormtroopers or piloted the Millennium Falcon like no one else, but he also messed up often and even made silly mistakes, like his bizarre conversation with the Imperial communicator.
This combination of heroism and awkwardness is what made him so relatable. And that’s where Ryan Gosling comes in. With his unique ability to switch between serious and funny without losing the audience’s attention, Gosling might be the next best thing to happen to the franchise. In fact, he could give Star Wars a new version of the Han Solo type.
However, this does not mean Ryan Gosling would replace Harrison Ford or erase Han Solo. Instead, his role could honor that tradition while also creating something fresh. Fans need to understand that Star Wars will never survive if it keeps living only in the past. The future of Star Wars depends on moving forward with new characters.
So, if audiences can let go of the idea that Han Solo is untouchable, they might find themselves falling in love with Gosling’s character the same way they once did with Ford’s.
Share your opinions on Ryan Gosling’s potential role in Star Wars: Starfighter.
Star Wars: Starfighter is set to release in theaters on May 28, 2027.
