Disney and Lucasfilm announced that filming had begun for Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy. Starring Ryan Gosling and a stellar cast, this marks Lucasfilm’s first theatrical project since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, following The Mandalorian & Grogu. Set for a 2027 release, the film promises to expand the Star Wars saga.
Directed by Shawn Levy, known for Deadpool & Wolverine, Star Wars: Starfighter features Ryan Gosling in the lead role. The cast includes Flynn Grey (Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Mia Goth (MaXXXine), Aaron Pierre (Lanterns), Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners), Jamael Westman (Hamilton), Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen), and Amy Adams (Nightbitch). Levy expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a dream come true. Star Wars shaped my sense of story, and joining this galaxy is the thrill of a lifetime.”
'Star Wars: Starfighter' releases May 28, 2027
Starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy
“This is not a prequel, this is not a sequel, it’s a new adventure"pic.twitter.com/7VbTNzKgWj
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) April 18, 2025Plot details remain confidential, but sources suggest that “Starfighter” continues the saga following “The Rise of Skywalker”. Characters from the sequel trilogy, such as Rey and Finn, may return, according to Variety. The film aims to merge classic Star Wars storytelling with fresh adventures, appealing to fans who are eager for new galactic tales after a seven-year gap in theatrical releases.
Significance for Star Wars
Star Wars: Starfighter follows the success of The Mandalorian series, which garnered 1.7 billion streaming minutes in 2024, per Nielsen. The return to theatres is a bold move for Lucasfilm, especially under Levy’s direction, known for blockbuster appeal. The diverse, high-profile cast signals Disney’s aim to attract a wide audience, building on the franchise’s $10.3 billion global box office, per Box Office Mojo.
The announcement has sparked excitement on social media. Fans praise Gosling’s casting, with one post noting, “Ryan Gosling in Star Wars is epic!” The film’s 2027 release positions it as a major event, following the anticipated The Mandalorian & Grogu in 2026. However, some fans express concern about the secrecy of the plot.
Read: Ryan Gosling to Star in ‘Star Wars: Starfighter,’ Set for 2027 Release
“Star Wars: Starfighter highlights Disney’s dedication to expanding the franchise in theatres. Levy’s vision, along with a strong cast, has the potential to redefine the future of the saga. Furthermore, this project aligns with Lucasfilm’s strategy to balance streaming and theatrical releases, taking advantage of the franchise’s global fanbase of over 200 million.”
