The only thing thing bigger than the number of Star Wars projects supposedly in development at any one time is the number of Star Wars projects that were announced but never made it to the screen.
In the “we will believe it when we actually see it” pile of Star Wars projects was one from Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy.
However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, this project has just had a massive boost that might have kick-started it into production.
Barbie, Blade Runner 2049 and The Fall Guy star, nominated for an Oscar three times, Ryan Gosling isn’t just interested in joining the project, but he is in active talks for the lead role.
It is now down to salary negotiations.
Levy has been developing the film alongside his writing partner Jonathan Tropper (This is Where I Leave You, The Adam Project) for three years and they have the story they want to tell.
Levy is also producing the feature via his 21 Laps banner, which is a new departure for Star Wars. They will collaborate with Lucasfilm closely.
Nobody knows which Star Wars time period it is set in, or any details of the story outside it being a standalone feature that doesn’t connect to the Skywalker Saga.
Gosling’s interest has caused the sudden focus, and Levy is said to have switched his schedule away from a comedy about reuniting old boyband performers that was set to star Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman again.
He will now tackle Star Wars next. The report says it could even shoot this year.
At this stage, let ‘em try, we say!