Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter Set to Soar in 2027 – Everything You Need to Know

Get ready for a thrilling new chapter in the Star Wars universe! Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy, was officially unveiled at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo. This standalone adventure promises to take fans to uncharted territory in a galaxy far, far away.

With production set to begin this fall and a release date locked for May 28, 2027, excitement is building for what could be a game-changer for the franchise. Here’s everything we know about this highly anticipated film, from its unique setting to its all-star team.

What Is Star Wars: Starfighter About?

Star Wars: Starfighter is not a prequel or a sequel but a fresh, standalone story set approximately five years after Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. This places the film in a largely unexplored period of the Star Wars timeline, offering a new adventure unconnected to the Skywalker Saga. According to Lucasfilm, the movie will introduce all-new characters, with Ryan Gosling leading the charge as a mysterious figure teased during the announcement.

Director Shawn Levy has emphasized that Star Wars: Starfighter will deliver “heart, action, and fun” while staying true to the franchise’s DNA. The script, penned by Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project), is praised for its originality and emotional depth, with Gosling himself calling it “so good” and filled with “great and original characters.” While plot details remain tightly guarded, rumors suggest the story may center on a 15-year-old boy teaming up with his uncle (Gosling) on a high-stakes mission, pursued by a pair of villains.

Who Is Involved in Star Wars: Starfighter?

The creative team behind Star Wars: Starfighter is a powerhouse. Shawn Levy, fresh off the record-breaking success of Deadpool & Wolverine, brings his knack for blending spectacle with heartfelt storytelling. Levy has been developing this project since 2022, collaborating with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni to craft a film that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.

Ryan Gosling, a three-time Oscar nominee known for Barbie and La La Land, is a lifelong Star Wars fan, as evidenced by a heartwarming moment at Star Wars Celebration when he shared a photo of his childhood Star Wars bedsheets. His “uniquely cool ethos” is expected to bring a fresh vibe to the franchise, according to Levy. While Gosling is the only confirmed cast member, reports indicate a search for a teenage actor to star alongside him, as well as male and female villains. Notably, Oscar winner Mikey Madison reportedly passed on a role in the film.

When and Where Will Star Wars: Starfighter Be Released?

Star Wars: Starfighter is slated to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, just three weeks after Disney’s Avengers: Secret Wars. Production is set to begin this fall, making it the next Star Wars film to enter active development after The Mandalorian & Grogu, which arrives on May 22, 2026. The Memorial Day 2027 release positions Star Wars: Starfighter as a major summer blockbuster, poised to capitalize on the franchise’s global fanbase.

The film will be a theatrical exclusive, aligning with Lucasfilm’s strategy to bring Star Wars back to the big screen. This release marks a significant step forward for the franchise, which has focused heavily on Disney+ series in recent years. Fans can expect a visually stunning experience, with Levy promising a “world we haven’t seen on screen” before.

Why Is Star Wars: Starfighter Generating So Much Buzz?

The announcement of Star Wars: Starfighter has sent shockwaves through the fan community, and for good reason. Gosling’s involvement is a rare move for Star Wars, which typically casts up-and-coming actors rather than A-listers. His star power, combined with Levy’s proven track record, has sparked excitement about the film’s potential to redefine the franchise.

Social media posts on X reflect this enthusiasm, with fans praising the standalone approach and Gosling’s lifelong connection to Star Wars.

The film’s setting, five years post-Rise of Skywalker, opens up endless possibilities for new stories, free from the constraints of the Skywalker Saga. Levy’s assurance that Star Wars: Starfighter will feel “organic” in tone and character suggests a balance of nostalgia and innovation. Additionally, the involvement of Jonathan Tropper, known for crafting emotionally resonant scripts, adds credibility to the project’s promise of “heart and adventure.”

How Does Star Wars: Starfighter Fit Into the Broader Star Wars Universe?

Star Wars: Starfighter is part of a robust slate of upcoming films from Lucasfilm, including The Mandalorian & Grogu, a Jedi origin story by James Mangold, a Rey-focused film by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and a new trilogy by Simon Kinberg. Unlike these projects, Star Wars: Starfighter stands alone, offering a self-contained story that doesn’t rely on existing characters or timelines. This approach aligns with Lucasfilm’s goal of expanding the Star Wars universe while honoring its legacy.

Levy has hinted that the film will explore themes of the Force and connection, core elements of Star Wars, but in a way that feels fresh and original. By setting the story in a new era, Star Wars: Starfighter has the potential to introduce audiences to previously unseen planets, cultures, and conflicts, paving the way for future standalone adventures.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As Star Wars: Starfighter prepares to take flight, the anticipation is palpable. With Ryan Gosling at the helm, Shawn Levy directing, and a release date set for May 2027, this film promises to deliver the heart, action, and wonder that define Star Wars.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Starfighter is shaping up to be an unmissable cinematic event.

May the Force—and the fans—be with this exciting new adventure.