Why Ryan Gosling Became Shawn Levy’s Muse for Star Wars and Marvel

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, where collaborations can make or break a film, the partnership between director Shawn Levy and actor Ryan Gosling stands out as a remarkable example of creative synergy.

Their journey began with the highly anticipated project, Star Wars: Starfighter, where Levy describes Gosling not just as a leading man but as a creative muse and trusted collaborator.

As the film gears up for its release on May 28, 2027, the duo is already set to reunite for Marvel’s Ghost Rider, showcasing a strong creative bond that has flourished across genres and franchises.

Levy, 58, has been vocal about how his creative partnership with the 45-year-old Gosling developed organically during the making of Starfighter.

He emphasizes that their collaboration is not merely a transactional relationship but one built on mutual respect and shared artistic vision.

“Some actors are great muses, right? Some actors are just amazing on screen and you’re inspired telling that story,” Levy explains.

“The thing about Gosling is he’s a great muse and he’s inspiring, but he’s also a great partner.”

This sentiment is echoed in the film itself, where Gosling portrays Kade Auberon, a cynical pilot thrust into a high-stakes mission to protect a young boy from dangerous pursuers.

The narrative unfolds in a fractured galaxy, five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

For Levy, Gosling’s contribution extends far beyond his role in front of the camera.

“He thinks like a full spectrum creative,” Levy notes.

“He’s an artist. He’s an incredible actor, but he’s also thinking about the lighting, the fabric on the wall. He’s noticing everything.”

This level of involvement is what sets Gosling apart from many actors.

His role as an executive producer allowed him to engage deeply with the filmmaking process, collaborating closely with Levy, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, and the entire creative team.

“He was very much a fully proactive partner alongside me and Kathleen Kennedy and the rest of our crew in telling this story,” Levy adds.

This collaborative spirit was particularly meaningful for Levy, who has long been influenced by the Star Wars franchise throughout his career.

Long before he had the chance to direct a film within the Star Wars universe, the original trilogy had already become a significant part of his filmmaking DNA.

“The truth is when you’re making a Star Wars movie, you are very connected to the Star Wars moments that inspire you,” Levy reflects.

“But I would actually say that every movie I’ve ever made has been inspired by Star Wars memories.”

With Starfighter, Levy aims to draw on those cherished memories while creating something that feels personal, rather than simply familiar.

Gosling’s presence alongside him has made this creative journey even more rewarding.

“We had a really good time making this movie, and it’s not just because we’re both Canadian, although that did lead to a certain baseline civility on set,” Levy jokes, highlighting their shared background.

Beyond their nationality, Levy and Gosling discovered a creative rhythm that prompted them to continue working together.

“Ryan loves delighting the audience and he’s done a lot of independent films, but he’s in a sweet spot where he is getting the opportunity to do big canvas storytelling and playing characters that sort of have all the colors, comedic and emotional,” Levy explains.

This unique blend of Gosling’s instincts as an actor and his willingness to engage with the broader filmmaking process has fostered a deep level of trust between the two.

“This collaboration felt really good to both of us,” Levy shares.

“Trust developed. We found we brought each other to better work because of each other. So after we wrapped, we just started talking about what else we might do together.”

The answer came quickly: Ghost Rider.

Gosling’s casting in this iconic role marks a new chapter for Marvel’s flaming-skulled antihero, previously portrayed by Nicolas Cage in the 2007 and 2011 films.

In those iterations, Cage played Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman who becomes the Spirit of Vengeance after making a supernatural bargain.

For Levy, the prospect of reuniting with Gosling for the Marvel project materialized swiftly.

“Literally six minutes into him telling me about it, I’m like, ‘Yeah, let’s go. We’re doing that.’ We walked it into Kevin Feige and here we are,” Levy recalls with enthusiasm.

As the film industry continues to evolve, collaborations like that of Levy and Gosling remind us of the power of creative partnerships.

Their journey from Star Wars: Starfighter to Ghost Rider not only highlights their individual talents but also showcases the magic that can happen when artists come together with a shared vision.

As audiences eagerly await the release of these films, it’s clear that the partnership between Levy and Gosling is one to watch.

Their ability to inspire each other and push creative boundaries promises to deliver compelling storytelling that resonates with fans across generations.

In a world where cinematic universes are constantly expanding, the collaboration between these two artists serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and collaboration in filmmaking.

As they embark on this exciting new chapter, both Levy and Gosling are poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry, proving that sometimes the most unexpected partnerships can lead to the most extraordinary results.

Stay tuned for the upcoming releases of Star Wars: Starfighter and Ghost Rider, as they promise to be thrilling additions to the cinematic landscape, fueled by the unique vision and collaborative spirit of Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling.

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