In a major announcement at the 2025 Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, Lucasfilm unveiled a new addition to the Star Wars cinematic universe: Star Wars: Starfighter.
Set to premiere on May 28, 2027, the film will feature acclaimed actor Ryan Gosling in a leading role. Directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine and Stranger Things, the movie promises to explore uncharted territories within the Star Wars saga.
A Fresh Narrative Beyond the Skywalker Saga With Ryan Gosling
Star Wars: Starfighter is set approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Departing from the traditional Skywalker-centric storyline, the film aims to introduce a new cast of characters and delve into a previously unexplored era of the Star Wars timeline. This standalone entry signifies a bold move by Lucasfilm to expand the franchise’s narrative horizons.

Behind the Scenes: Creative Minds at Work
The screenplay for Starfighter is being penned by Jonathan Tropper, who previously collaborated with Levy on The Adam Project. Production is slated to commence in the fall of 2025, with the film’s release strategically timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original 1977 Star Wars release.
Expanding the Star Wars Universe
The announcement of Starfighter comes amidst a flurry of activity in the Star Wars franchise. Lucasfilm also revealed plans for The Mandalorian & Grogu, a film adaptation of the popular Disney+ series, set for release on May 22, 2026. Additionally, fans can look forward to the second season of Andor, which will lead directly into the events of Rogue One.

With Star Wars: Starfighter, Lucasfilm appears poised to usher in a new era of storytelling within the beloved universe. By introducing fresh characters and narratives, the franchise continues to evolve, offering fans both old and new exciting adventures in a galaxy far, far away.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation for Ryan Gosling’s Performance
The announcement of Star Wars: Starfighter has ignited a wave of excitement across the fandom. While some long-time fans are intrigued by the franchise’s move away from legacy characters, others are cautiously optimistic about the fresh direction.
Moreover, social media buzz has highlighted Gosling’s unexpected casting as a major point of interest, with many speculating on what kind of character he might portray. As more details emerge, anticipation continues to build for what could be a defining chapter in the next generation of Star War films.