Star Wars fans are in for a treat as Lucasfilm officially announced a brand new film titled Star Wars: Starfighter during the ongoing Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, Japan. Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, the film is set to be released exclusively in theaters on May 28, 2027. This exciting new installment will take place five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, which premiered in 2019.
The announcement was made by Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, and Dave Filoni, Chief Creative Officer, who expressed their enthusiasm for this fresh venture into the Star Wars universe. "Star Wars: Starfighter" is described as a standalone adventure featuring all-new characters and exploring a period of time that has not yet been depicted on screen.
Levy, known for his work on blockbuster hits like Deadpool & Wolverine and the Netflix series Stranger Things, emphasized the uniqueness of this project during the announcement. "This is not a prequel, this is not a sequel. It’s a new adventure," he stated, highlighting the film's original concept. Gosling, who has garnered critical acclaim for his role in last year’s blockbuster Barbie, echoed Levy's sentiments, praising the story for its heart and originality. "There is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn," he said, expressing his excitement for the collaboration.
Production for Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025, with Gosling and Levy both attending the Star Wars Celebration event to engage with fans and share their enthusiasm for the project. Gosling remarked on the inspiring atmosphere at the event, saying, "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 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." He added, "The force is a mysterious thing, but, as I’m here, the force is the fans. All we can hope for is, ‘May the fans be with us.’"
The film is anticipated to be a significant addition to the Star Wars franchise, which has already seen immense commercial success, with the films collectively grossing over $5.1 billion at global box offices since the first installment debuted in 1977. The upcoming film will be the second Star Wars feature to hit theaters following the release of the spinoff series The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is set to premiere on May 22, 2026.
As excitement builds for Star Wars: Starfighter, fans can look forward to an entirely new adventure that promises to expand the beloved universe. With Levy's track record of directing successful films and Gosling's star power, expectations are high for this fresh chapter in the Star Wars saga.
In addition to Levy and Gosling, the film's screenplay has been in the works for the past two years, written by Jonathan Tropper. The anticipation surrounding this project has been palpable, especially considering the franchise's storied history and the fervent dedication of its fanbase.
While details about the plot and additional cast members remain under wraps, the film's standalone nature suggests that it will explore new themes and characters, providing a refreshing perspective for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. As Levy noted, this film ventures into uncharted territory, offering a chance to delve deeper into the expansive lore of the Star Wars universe.
As the film gears up for production, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more announcements and updates from Lucasfilm. With the Star Wars Celebration currently ongoing, additional news and sneak peeks are expected to be revealed in the coming days, further stoking the excitement surrounding Star Wars: Starfighter.
In a landscape filled with sequels and reboots, Star Wars: Starfighter stands out as a beacon of originality, promising to deliver a unique cinematic experience. As the release date approaches, anticipation will only grow, making it one of the most talked-about films in the Star Wars franchise.
