Oscar-Winner Mikey Madison Turns Down Role in Ryan Gosling’s ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’

April 20, 2025: Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison has reportedly declined an offer to join the cast of the upcoming Star Wars film, Star Wars: Starfighter, despite the high-profile project being led by Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy.

According to Variety, Madison was approached for a role in the highly anticipated movie but ultimately chose not to participate. No official reason has been disclosed for her decision.

Star Wars: Starfighter is slated for release on May 28, 2027, and is set in the aftermath of the Battle of Exegol — a crucial moment following the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Director Shawn Levy, known for Deadpool & Wolverine, promises the film will bring a fresh take to the beloved franchise with all-new characters, while retaining the heart, action, and excitement that fans have come to expect.

“It takes place in a period after the Battle of Exegol,” Levy said during the film’s official announcement. “There are so many opportunities to tell a Star Wars story that has all the heart and action and fun of Star Wars, but to do it in ways that are new and original.”

Levy confirmed at the Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo that Ryan Gosling will indeed headline the film. “I had heard at one point that my movie was going to star Ryan Gosling and, believe me, that would be a dream come true for me… that rumor is 100 per cent true,” he said.

Madison is currently riding a wave of success after winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Anora. Following her win, she described the moment as “surreal” and expressed deep gratitude to the film industry for the recognition.

Though Madison won’t be joining the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Starfighter remains one of the most talked-about projects in the franchise’s future lineup.