Fans of the iconic Star Wars franchise have reason to celebrate as Lucasfilm officially announced a new installment titled Star Wars: Starfighter during the Star Wars Celebration event held in Japan on April 18, 2025. Directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on the blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, this standalone film is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, marking a significant return for the franchise after a hiatus since The Rise of Skywalker.
Ryan Gosling, the acclaimed actor famous for his roles in films like La La Land and Blade Runner 2049, is confirmed to star in the film. Gosling expressed his excitement during the event, stating, "This script is so good. It’s filled with so much heart and adventure. There is not a more perfect filmmaker for this kind of story than Shawn." This enthusiasm was echoed by Levy, who emphasized that Starfighter is "not a prequel, not a sequel, but a new adventure" featuring a collection of all-new characters.
The film is set approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, which concluded the Skywalker saga. This positioning allows for a fresh narrative within the expansive Star Wars universe, exploring a timeline that has yet to be depicted on screen. Levy, who has been attached to Star Wars projects since 2022, noted that they are currently in pre-production and will begin filming in the fall of 2025.
During the announcement, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni highlighted the importance of this new project. Kennedy stated, "We are thrilled to bring audiences a new story that captures the essence of what makes Star Wars so beloved." Filoni added, "This film will explore themes of adventure and camaraderie, all while introducing characters that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the series."
Gosling's involvement is particularly noteworthy as it brings star power to the project, which could attract a broader audience. His character details remain under wraps, but Gosling hinted at the depth of the story, saying, "It has such a great story with great and original characters. It’s filled with so much heart and adventure." This sentiment aligns with Levy's vision for the film, which aims to deliver a unique experience while maintaining the core elements that fans expect from the franchise.
Interestingly, Gosling was not the only name floated for a leading role. Mikey Madison, known for her work in Anora, was also considered for a part but ultimately passed on the opportunity. This casting decision signifies a shift in direction for the film, focusing on new characters rather than established ones.
The announcement of Star Wars: Starfighter comes at a time when Lucasfilm has faced challenges in getting Star Wars projects into theaters following the mixed reception of The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Despite the hurdles, the studio has been actively developing multiple projects, including films by directors such as Taika Waititi and James Mangold, as well as a new trilogy by Simon Kinberg.
Star Wars: Starfighter is set to follow the theatrical release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, which is scheduled for May 22, 2026. This film serves as a theatrical expansion of the beloved Disney+ series The Mandalorian, which has garnered a significant fanbase since its debut.
As the Star Wars franchise continues to evolve, the anticipation surrounding Star Wars: Starfighter is palpable. With Levy's directorial prowess and Gosling's star power, fans are eager to see how this new story unfolds. Levy's previous success with Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed over $1.3 billion globally, adds to the excitement, as it showcases his ability to blend action and humor—qualities that are essential to the Star Wars brand.
Moreover, Levy and Gosling's participation in the Star Wars Celebration event underscored their commitment to the project and their connection with the fan community. Gosling, wearing a cap that read, "Never tell me the odds," engaged with the audience, expressing his appreciation for their enthusiasm. He remarked, "Being here and seeing all of you makes it more inspiring to do it. There’s so much creativity and imagination in this room and there’s so much love. It’s such a great reminder of how much movies can mean to us, specifically how much these movies mean to us."
As Star Wars: Starfighter gears up for production, fans can look forward to a fresh narrative that promises to explore the vastness of the Star Wars universe while introducing new characters and adventures. With a release date set for the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film, the excitement surrounding this project is sure to build in the coming years.
In summary, Star Wars: Starfighter represents a thrilling new chapter in the Star Wars saga, combining the talents of Ryan Gosling and Shawn Levy to deliver a story filled with heart, adventure, and originality. As fans await further details and casting announcements, one thing is clear: the Force remains strong, and the galaxy far, far away is set to welcome new heroes and stories.
