Ryan Gosling Could Become The New Face Of Sci-Fi Over The Next 2 Years

January 10, 2026

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Ryan Gosling stars in two sci-fi films in 2026 and 2027 that could position him as a trustworthy star for the sci-fi genre. Gosling is a versatile actor who has never been cast for one specific kind of role. He can effectively play a charming, romantic lead in The Notebook, a loveable goof in Barbie, or a reserved killer in Drive.

In 2017, Gosling played the lead role in Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, a sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic. While the film was a hit with critics, earning an 88% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, it underperformed at the box office, grossing $259.1 million worldwide on a $150 million budget.

Nine years later, Gosling is finally returning to the sci-fi genre with Project Hail Mary. It’s only the beginning of the actor’s sci-fi journey as he’s set to join Star Wars in 2027 with Star Wars: Starfighter. Both films could be significant hits and could establish Gosling as a reliable leading man in sci-fi.

Project Hail Mary May Be One Of 2026’s Biggest Surprise Hits

Project Hail Mary is an adaptation of the successful novel by author Andy Weir. The film stars Gosling as Ryland Grace, a scientist and educator who wakes up on another planet with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As he recovers his memories, he realizes he’s on a desperate mission to save the Earth.

While the film is not based on an existing IP or franchise, it has a strong chance of being a surprise box office hit in 2026. Weir’s previous adaptation, The Martian, was a critical and box office success, grossing over $653.6 million worldwide. Alongside its stellar cast, Project Hail Mary is also helmed by a talented pair of filmmakers.

The film is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the duo behind comedy hits like 21 Jump Street and The Lego Movie. They are also the producers and writers behind projects like the Spider-Verse films. Project Hail Mary already has a strong audience of readers, and its proven filmmakers position it to be a profitable blockbuster.

Ryan Gosling May Be Ushering In A New Era For Star Wars In 2027

Ryan Gosling with Flynn Gray in front of an ocean in a behind the scenes image from Star Wars Starfighter

Gosling is joining a galaxy far, far away in 2027’s Star Wars: Starfighter. Set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, the First Man actor will play a pilot who becomes part of a dangerous mission as new threats emerge across the galaxy. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film also stars Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Aaron Pierre, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams.

While the franchise is returning to theaters in 2026 with The Mandalorian and Grogu, Starfighter seemingly will take Star Wars in a new direction. It’s a standalone project that will feature unique characters in a new timeline. It may have familiar concepts, but it doesn’t appear to connect much with the Skywalker saga.

Star Wars typically performs well at the box office, though it may be harder to predict now. The Rise of Skywalker ended the sequel trilogy on a divisive note, and the franchise’s Disney+ shows have been hit-or-miss. However, Gosling’s Starfighter could be what the franchise needs to begin a new era on the right path.