Star Wars’ New Movie Cast Is Like Nothing We’ve Seen in the Last 47 Years (& It’s a Necessary Swing)

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Throughout its history, the Star Wars franchise has been known for launching relatively unknown actors to stardom. While experienced actors like Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, and Liam Neeson often play important supporting roles to add weight to the films, the main characters are usually played by newcomers. This was a conscious decision by George Lucas. Though it was a gamble – especially since Star Wars was unproven at the time – it makes sense why he chose this approach. Audiences are less likely to have preconceived notions about actors they don’t know, allowing them to connect with the character more easily. This can make the viewing experience more immersive, which is particularly important for a fantastical film like Star Wars.

The initial Star Wars films released by Disney largely continued the tradition started by George Lucas, focusing on relatively unknown actors. Daisy Ridley hadn’t led a major film before *The Force Awakens*, and John Boyega was best known for the indie hit *Attack the Block* before playing Finn. Even established actors like Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver weren’t household names when they joined the sequel trilogy. While using newcomers has historically worked well for Star Wars, director Shawn Levy is taking a different approach with his upcoming film, *Star Wars: Starfighter*, featuring well-known stars Ryan Gosling and Amy Adams. This is a significant change, but many believe it’s exactly what the franchise needs at this moment.

Why Star Wars Needs Starfighter‘s A-List Cast

While Star Wars has considered big names for roles in the past – like Al Pacino as Han Solo or Leonardo DiCaprio as Anakin Skywalker – the upcoming film *Starfighter* will be the first time a truly established movie star leads a Star Wars project (excluding sequels where actors became famous afterward). Although *The Mandalorian & Grogu* will end the current gap in Star Wars films next summer, *Starfighter* – set to release in 2027 – is generating more buzz, and a lot of that excitement comes down to its cast. Rumors about the plot hinting at Jedi storylines also add to the anticipation.

The fact that Ryan Gosling is the lead in a Star Wars movie is immediately exciting and suggests the film will be high quality. While he’s often been considered for superhero roles, Gosling has generally avoided big franchises, choosing instead to work with acclaimed directors on films like *Blade Runner 2049* and *Barbie*. Amy Adams is similar – aside from her work in the DC universe, she’s known for collaborating with top directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Denis Villeneuve. While not every film they’ve been in has been a critical success, both actors have impressive resumes, including multiple Oscar nominations. Their involvement with *Starfighter* suggests the project is something special.

Lucasfilm, known for its Disney+ TV shows, appears to be refocusing on big-screen Star Wars movies. At this year’s Star Wars Celebration, Kathleen Kennedy announced several films in the works, signaling the studio’s continued commitment to the franchise. The upcoming film, *Starfighter*, is crucial for launching a new era of Star Wars, and its impressive cast could be key to its success. Trailers featuring Ryan Gosling and Amy Adams will help *Starfighter* stand out among other summer blockbusters, positioning it as a major event rather than just another movie. The inclusion of actors like Matt Smith and Mia Goth also adds to the film’s buzz and sets it apart from typical Star Wars releases.

The success of *Starfighter* is crucial, as a strong performance could attract even bigger stars to the franchise. What’s interesting about this film is that it was developed as a single, independent movie. This likely made it easier for director Levy to cast popular actors like Gosling and Adams, who might be hesitant to commit to a long-term, multi-film contract. A standalone film lets actors participate in a popular project without limiting their future creative choices. Kennedy appears open to letting filmmakers tell new, unconnected stories, which could eventually bring stars like DiCaprio or Chalamet into the *Star Wars* universe.

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2025-10-19 00:17