In a thrilling announcement at Star Wars Celebration 2025 held in Chiba City, Japan, it has been confirmed that a new chapter in the beloved franchise is on the way. Titled Star Wars: Starfighter, the film will see Ryan Gosling take on the lead role, marking a significant departure from the traditional Skywalker saga. Directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool and Wolverine, this standalone adventure is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film.
During the event, Gosling expressed his deep-rooted passion for the Star Wars universe, recalling how his childhood was influenced by it. "Star Wars has framed my idea of what a movie is," he shared, with his mother even sending along nostalgic photos of his vintage Star Wars bedsheets to showcase his lifelong fandom. He also praised the script for its originality and emotional depth, stating, "The reality is that this script is just so good. It has such a great story with great and original characters. It’s filled with so much heart and adventure, and there just really is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn."
Levy added that Star Wars: Starfighter is designed to be a fresh narrative within the galaxy far, far away. "This is a new adventure. It’s new characters, and it takes place in a new period of time after the Battle of Exegol and after Episode 9," he explained. The film is not a prequel or sequel, which makes it particularly exciting for fans eager for new stories and characters. Levy emphasized the film's potential to explore uncharted territories within the Star Wars universe, stating, "There are so many opportunities to tell a Star Wars story that has all the heart and action and fun, but to do it in ways that are new and original."
Fans can expect a departure from the familiar faces of Rey and her Jedi Order, as Starfighter introduces an all-new cast. This shift aims to create a film that is less reliant on nostalgia and more focused on developing new adventures and characters. Levy remarked, "As Ryan said, it's a big galaxy. It's a big galaxy out there, and it feels like there is an opportunity to do a movie that's not a prequel, that's not a sequel, and gives us the Star Wars DNA that we love with an adventure that's all new."
The excitement surrounding Star Wars: Starfighter is palpable, especially considering it will be the first Star Wars film since 1977 that is not a sequel or prequel. This bold move is expected to attract both die-hard fans and newcomers to the franchise. Levy and Gosling's commitment to crafting a unique story is evident, and many are eager to see how it will unfold.
In addition to Starfighter, the event also teased future projects within the Star Wars universe. The next movie release will be The Mandalorian and Grogu, a sequel to the popular Disney+ series. Footage shown at the fan event revealed appearances from notable actors, including Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, who will portray Rotta the Hutt, the son of the infamous Jabba the Hutt.
Moreover, there’s a new trilogy of Star Wars movies currently in development, led by acclaimed director James Mangold, who recently received an Oscar nomination for his work on the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is set to direct a film that will see the return of Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, following the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
As anticipation builds for Star Wars: Starfighter, fans are reminded of the cultural significance of the Star Wars franchise, which has captivated audiences for decades. With new characters, unexplored timelines, and a commitment to storytelling that resonates with both nostalgia and innovation, the future looks bright for this iconic saga. As Levy succinctly put it, "This is a new adventure that we’re excited to share with the world." With production set to begin later this year, the countdown to the film's release is officially underway.
