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New ‘Star Wars’ Film Starring Ryan Gosling Announced at Japan Event
CHIBA, Japan – Enthusiasm for the Force was palpable among attendees at a “Star Wars” event in Japan, where Lucasfilm disclosed plans for the next installment in the iconic film saga. The new Star Wars movie, slated for release in May 2027, will feature Ryan Gosling in a leading role, marking an exciting chapter for the enduring franchise.
Gosling Shares Childhood ‘Star Wars’ Connection
Ryan Gosling appeared on stage at the Makuhari Messe center near Tokyo, sharing a personal anecdote with the excited, lightsaber-wielding crowd. He presented an image of his childhood bedsheets, adorned with imagery from George Lucas’s space opera, illustrating his long-standing affinity for Star Wars.
“I think I was dreaming about ‘Star Wars’ even before actually viewing the film,” Gosling remarked, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the saga.
‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Details Emerge
Shawn Levy, the director of the upcoming film, revealed to the audience that “Star Wars: Starfighter” will be an original, self-contained story set after “Episode Nine,” rather than a prequel or sequel. Production is scheduled to commence later this year, Levy confirmed.
Levy, known for directing “The Pink Panther” (2006) and the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things,” remained tight-lipped about further details. “I can’t elaborate much on it because I understand the need for secrecy,” he stated.
The title, “Star Wars: Starfighter,” was unveiled on a large screen, triggering enthusiastic cheers from the assembled fans at the Star Wars Celebration event in Japan.
Star Wars Celebration Showcases Extensive Merchandise
The Star Wars Celebration event, a multi-day gathering extending through Sunday, offers a vast array of themed merchandise. Attendees can find a wide selection of items including:
- T-shirts
- Toys
- Books
- Manga comics
- AC chargers
- Cellphone covers
- Autographs
- Posters
- And more
Darth Vader in Lego and Lacquerware
The Lego exhibit featured a person costumed as Darth Vader, the formidable villain, constructed entirely from Lego bricks. In a blend of tradition and pop culture, Darth Vader also appeared as a motif on limited-edition Japanese lacquerware earphones. Only ten of these exclusive items were available, priced at 990,000 yen ($7,000) each. More accessible Darth Vader T-shirts were priced at 8,000 yen ($56).
Fan Enthusiasm at Star Wars Event
Yoshiki Takahashi, 26, holding an R2-D2 remote-controlled miniature, expressed his excitement: “It makes me feel so happy to see everyone here loves ‘Star Wars’.”
“I appreciate the direction, the iconic sound effects of the blasters and lightsabers, but most of all, the narrative itself, with its compelling action sequences and, naturally, human drama,” he added, conveying his deep appreciation for the Star Wars universe.
International Fans Gather in Japan
Hiro, a Japanese attendee dressed as the Mandalorian character in a self-made, detailed costume complete with a plastic sword and armor, was among the dedicated fans present.
Raul Herrera, a computer science educator from Chile, clad in robes, attended with companions, representing the international appeal of Star Wars. “All of them,” Herrera responded when asked about the number of Star Wars films he has watched. “The strong commitment of the characters is something I truly admire.”
Star Wars’ Enduring Appeal
With a sprawling narrative that spans generations and galaxies, Star Wars has become one of the highest-grossing media franchises since its inception in 1977, which introduced Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker.
The franchise’s resonance with Japanese audiences may stem from thematic parallels. The Star Wars narrative, centered on a samurai-esque protagonist and his diverse companions, reflects traditional Japanese stories and the cinematic style of acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa.