Fresh off her historic Oscar win, actress Mikey Madison has officially declined a role in the next major installment of the Star Wars franchise—directed by Shawn Levy and set to star Ryan Gosling. Here’s everything we know about the high-profile project, why Madison passed on it, and what it could mean for the future of the Star Wars universe.
Mikey Madison Opts Out of Her First Post-Oscar Film Offer
Multiple industry insiders have confirmed to Variety that Mikey Madison, who recently made headlines after winning the Best Actress Oscar for her standout role in Anora, was approached to join an untitled Star Wars film helmed by Shawn Levy. Despite the significance of the offer—which would have marked her first role after earning one of Hollywood’s top honors—Madison has declined to participate in the project.
The specific role Madison was offered has not been publicly revealed. However, her exit from discussions appears to have been amicable, with no current indication of scheduling conflicts or creative differences. The decision raises speculation about the kinds of projects Madison wants to pursue at this critical stage in her career.
A Closer Look at the Upcoming Star Wars Film by Shawn Levy
A New Direction for the Galaxy Far, Far Away
The new film, which remains untitled and under heavy secrecy, is expected to be a standalone story—completely disconnected from the central Skywalker narrative that defined the core trilogy films. This format follows the example of past non-Skywalker entries like Rogue One and Solo: A Star Wars Story, which explored different time periods and corners of the Star Wars universe.
According to reports, Shawn Levy has been developing the film since late 2022. Levy is best known for directing Free Guy, The Adam Project, and the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine, the latter of which has already created substantial buzz in fan circles. He brings a proven track record of commercial success and genre-blending storytelling to the project.
Levy is producing the film under his 21 Laps Entertainment banner, with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy serving as a co-producer. Together, they represent a powerful partnership between one of Hollywood’s most bankable directors and the studio that has steered Star Wars since its acquisition by Disney in 2012.
Jonathan Tropper Writing the Screenplay: What to Expect
Acclaimed screenwriter Jonathan Tropper is penning the script. Tropper previously worked with Shawn Levy on The Adam Project, a sci-fi action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, which premiered on Netflix in 2022 and became one of the platform’s most-viewed original films.
Tropper is also known for his emotionally resonant writing style, especially evident in This Is Where I Leave You (2014), which blended humor and pathos in a family drama format. His involvement signals that this Star Wars film may veer toward a more character-driven, emotionally complex narrative, rather than just focusing on space battles and high-concept action.
Ryan Gosling to Star: A Major Hollywood Powerhouse Joins Star Wars
Oscar-nominated actor Ryan Gosling is set to headline the movie, though no official details about his character or storyline have been released. This casting has excited fans, as Gosling is one of the few major A-list actors who has not previously appeared in a franchise of this scale.
The project also puts director Levy in a unique position—he will have worked with both of Hollywood’s most iconic Ryans: Gosling and Reynolds. This fact, while playful, underscores the caliber of talent involved in the movie and the kind of creative chemistry Levy is known for fostering with his stars.
Gosling’s involvement also adds credibility to the film’s direction, especially since he tends to be selective with the roles he chooses. Known for acclaimed performances in Blade Runner 2049, La La Land, and Drive, his entry into the Star Wars universe could bring a fresh tone and prestige to the standalone project.
Standalone Film to Follow The Mandalorian & Grogu
As of now, the only other officially greenlit Star Wars film is The Mandalorian & Grogu, a feature-length extension of the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Directed by Jon Favreau and produced by Dave Filoni and Kathleen Kennedy, that film recently wrapped principal photography and is scheduled for theatrical release on May 22, 2026.
This makes Levy’s project one of the few theatrical Star Wars projects in active development. Other announced films, such as those involving directors James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, remain in earlier stages of planning and pre-production.
In contrast, Levy’s project has a scriptwriter, producer, and lead actor already attached—suggesting the studio is serious about moving forward, even though Madison has exited.
Why Madison Might Have Declined: A Strategic Career Decision?
Post-Oscar Pressure and Selectivity
Madison’s decision to pass on the role may reflect a larger strategy to avoid being boxed into blockbuster roles too early in her post-Oscar career. In a recent episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, she reflected on the immense effort it took to land past roles and how Anora marked a major turning point.
“I was scrolling through my Dropbox the other day and saw hundreds of auditions I’ve done — so many hours of work,” Madison shared in the interview. “But then, everything that came after was extremely difficult.”
She went on to describe Anora—directed by indie filmmaker Sean Baker—as the first project she didn’t need to audition for. Instead, the role came to her based on her previous body of work and growing reputation. This shift may have opened the door to more auteur-driven or character-focused roles, something she may now prefer over tentpole blockbusters.
Desire for Artistic Control?
Sources close to the industry speculate that Madison could be holding out for roles that offer more artistic control, deeper characters, or opportunities to work with celebrated auteurs in the independent space. Her Oscar win for Anora puts her in a rare position to be highly selective, and skipping a Star Wars role might not be career suicide—it could be a calculated move to maintain creative integrity.
What Comes Next for Madison?
As of now, Mikey Madison has not officially signed on to any other film projects since her Oscar win. However, her name continues to circulate among casting directors and filmmakers alike, especially those developing high-concept dramas or prestige television projects.
Given her rising profile, Madison may appear next in a critically driven project at film festivals like Cannes, Venice, or Toronto. With her new status as an Academy Award winner, she has the industry’s attention and the freedom to shape her own career trajectory.
Mikey Madison’s choice to step away from a major Star Wars opportunity speaks volumes about her evolving priorities as an actress. While some may view it as a missed opportunity, others may see it as a bold, career-defining moment. In a Hollywood landscape where young talent often rushes into franchise roles, Madison appears to be playing the long game.
Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Shawn Levy’s Star Wars project, which, with Ryan Gosling attached and Jonathan Tropper writing, promises to be one of the most intriguing new entries in the galaxy far, far away.
The Information is Collected from Variety and Screen Rent.
