Fresh off her Oscar win for Anora, Mikey Madison has reportedly turned down a major role in director Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars movie, which is set to star Ryan Gosling. While this would have marked her first big studio project following her critically acclaimed breakout performance, sources confirm to Variety that Madison has opted not to move forward with the Lucasfilm project after initial discussions.
Madison, 26, gained industry recognition with roles in Better Things, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, and Scream 5, but it was her fearless performance in Sean Baker’s Anora—where she plays a sex worker caught in a turbulent romance—that redefined her career. The film not only premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival but also became a box office success, grossing $34.5 million on a modest $6 million budget. It earned her an Oscar for Best Actress and a BAFTA, and notably, it was the first role she landed without an audition.
Although Madison hasn’t publicly shared her reasons for declining the Star Wars role, the move suggests that she’s taking a strategic, perhaps more artistic path forward, prioritizing meaningful roles over high-budget spectacle. Industry insiders note that her newfound clout means she can now afford to be highly selective with what comes next.
As for the Star Wars project, it remains a major Lucasfilm venture with Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project) writing the script. The film, in development since 2022, is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Star Wars cinematic universe with fresh talent and new narratives.
Madison’s decision highlights a growing trend among acclaimed young actors choosing creative integrity over franchise fame—a sign of the shifting landscape in Hollywood.
