At the Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan, Lucasfilm thrilled fans with the announcement of Star Wars: Starfighter, a new instalment in the iconic saga, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy. Set to hit theatres on May 28, 2027, the film, revealed on April 19, 2025, will begin filming in fall 2025, marking Gosling’s debut in the Star Wars universe.
Director Shawn Levy unveiled the film’s title, lead actor, and release date, sparking excitement among fans. A brief synopsis states that Star Wars: Starfighter takes place five years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019), though plot specifics remain under wraps. Lucasfilm’s X post declared, “Join us in welcoming Ryan Gosling, Star Wars: Starfighter star, to our galaxy,” confirming the Memorial Day 2027 release.
Please join us in welcoming Ryan Gosling, star of the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, to our galaxy. Coming to theaters Memorial Day 2027. pic.twitter.com/DLpwJzOSr0
— Star Wars (@starwars) April 18, 2025Gosling, known for Barbie and Blade Runner 2049, brings his star power to the franchise, with Levy’s direction promising a fresh take. The announcement aligns with Lucasfilm’s expanding slate, including The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026), Star Wars: Lando (2026), Taika Waititi’s Star Wars film (2027), Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s project (2027), and Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi (2028).
Star Wars Universe Context
The Star Wars saga spans films, series, and animated projects, with a chronological viewing order enhancing fan immersion:
- The Acolyte (2024)
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014)
- Andor (2022)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Star Wars (1977)
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Star Wars: Lost Crew (2024)
- The Mandalorian (2019)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- Ahsoka (2023)
- Star Wars Resistance (2018)
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Star Wars: Starfighter continues the saga’s post-sequel trilogy narrative, building on the events of the latest films and series.
The announcement has generated buzz on X, with fans praising Gosling’s casting and Levy’s vision. Posts like “Ryan Gosling in Star Wars is a game-changer!” reflect excitement, though some express curiosity about the plot’s direction. The film’s placement five years after The Rise of Skywalker suggests new characters and conflicts, potentially exploring the galaxy’s state post-First Order.
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Lucasfilm’s robust lineup ensures the franchise’s momentum, with Starfighter poised to blend star power and storytelling innovation. Gosling’s involvement and Levy’s track record (Deadpool & Wolverine) set high expectations for a visually stunning and emotionally resonant addition.
