Star Wars: Starfighter Ignites New Hope with Production Kickoff and Stellar Cast

The galaxy far, far away is buzzing with excitement as Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy, officially begins production.

Announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan in April 2025, this standalone adventure promises to explore uncharted territory in the Star Wars universe.

With a powerhouse cast led by Ryan Gosling and a release date set for May 28, 2027, the film is poised to redefine the franchise’s cinematic legacy. Here’s everything we know about this highly anticipated project, compiled into a comprehensive breakdown.

Highlights:

• Title: Star Wars: Starfighter

• Director: Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine, Stranger Things)

• Lead Star: Ryan Gosling, joined by Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and more

• Production Start: Fall 2025, filming in the United Kingdom

• Release Date: May 28, 2027, exclusively in theaters

• Setting: Five years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

• Plot: A standalone adventure with new characters, not tied to the Skywalker Saga

What Is the Story Behind Star Wars: Starfighter?

Set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the film introduces a fresh narrative unbound by the Skywalker Saga. Reports suggest Ryan Gosling’s character embarks on a galaxy-spanning adventure, protecting a young charge, played by Flynn Gray, from villainous forces.

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the story is described as having “heart and adventure” with original characters. The script, penned by Jonathan Tropper, has been in development since 2022, surviving industry strikes to become a priority for Lucasfilm.

The standalone nature of the film allows it to explore a new era in the Star Wars timeline. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has teased the potential inclusion of sequel trilogy characters, though the focus remains on new faces. This approach aligns with the franchise’s push to expand beyond nostalgia-driven storytelling, offering fans a glimpse into the galaxy’s future post-First Order conflict.

Who Stars in the Film?

The cast of Star Wars: Starfighter is a major draw, blending A-list talent with rising stars. Ryan Gosling, known for Barbie and La La Land, leads as the protagonist, bringing his charisma to a role speculated to echo lovable rogues like Han Solo.

Amy Adams, a six-time Oscar nominee, reportedly plays the mother of Flynn Gray’s character, a young actor cast after an extensive search. Matt Smith and Mia Goth are set to portray villains, adding intrigue to the narrative. Additional cast members include Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings, rounding out a diverse ensemble.

This casting marks a departure for Star Wars, which traditionally elevates lesser-known actors to stardom. Gosling’s involvement, confirmed after months of rumors, has accelerated the project’s timeline, positioning it as the next theatrical release after The Mandalorian & Grogu.

When and Where Is the Film Being Produced?

Production for Star Wars: Starfighter began in the United Kingdom in fall 2025, with cameras rolling as of August 28, 2025. Shawn Levy, who also produces alongside Kathleen Kennedy, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, calling it a “dream come true.”

The film’s production follows the completion of The Mandalorian & Grogu, making it the second Star Wars movie to hit theaters since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. The May 28, 2027, release date places it just weeks after Avengers: Secret Wars, signaling Disney’s confidence in its box-office potential.

What Makes This Film Unique in the Star Wars Universe?Unlike previous Star Wars films, Star Wars: Starfighter is not a prequel or sequel but a standalone story. Shawn Levy has emphasized his desire to avoid redundant narratives, focusing on fresh themes like the Force and individual empowerment.

The film’s setting, five to six years after The Rise of Skywalker, makes it the first to explore this uncharted timeline on the big screen. Fans speculate it may bridge the gap to the upcoming New Jedi Order film, though Levy insists it stands alone without serving other projects.

The title Starfighter has sparked curiosity about a possible connection to the 2001 video game Star Wars: Starfighter, which followed a Naboo pilot. However, Lucasfilm has clarified that the film is an original story, not an adaptation, despite sharing the name. This distinction fuels excitement for a new perspective on the galaxy’s starfighting culture.

Why Is the Cast Announcement Generating Buzz?

The reveal of the full cast, including Amy Adams and Matt Smith, has amplified anticipation. Social media platforms are abuzz with fan reactions, from TikTok edits imagining Gosling as a Jedi to Reddit threads praising Levy’s ability to balance humor and heart.

The inclusion of Mia Goth and Matt Smith as villains has sparked speculation about their roles, with some fans theorizing Sith-like antagonists. The diverse cast and Levy’s track record with hits like Deadpool & Wolverine suggest a film that could revitalize Star Wars’ theatrical presence.

Critics and fans alike see this as a bold move for Lucasfilm, especially after the mixed reception to The Rise of Skywalker. The casting of established stars like Gosling and Adams signals a shift toward high-profile talent, potentially broadening the film’s appeal.

Key Information Table

Will Star Wars: Starfighter Redefine the Franchise?

With Star Wars: Starfighter, Lucasfilm is taking a bold step into a new era. The combination of Shawn Levy’s directorial vision, a stellar cast, and a fresh timeline positions the film as a potential game-changer.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As production ramps up, fans are eager for more details, from plot specifics to the roles of sequel trilogy characters.

The film’s promise of heart, adventure, and originality has reignited hope for Star Wars’ cinematic future.

Keep an eye on this galaxy-spanning journey as it heads toward its 2027 release, ready to soar into uncharted stars.