Credit: LucasfilmThe Star Wars galaxy is shifting into a bold new era. After years of stalled projects and plans that never quite reached the big screen, Disney and Lucasfilm are finally setting the stage for a post-sequel trilogy cinematic relaunch with Star Wars: Starfighter.
Rather than continuing the story of Rey (Daisy Ridley) or any of the other familiar faces from the sequel trilogy, this standalone adventure will introduce audiences to a new lead character, played by Ryan Gosling (Blade Runner 2049, Barbie).
The film takes place five years after Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker (2019), bridging the post-sequel era while giving filmmakers the freedom to chart new territory.
At this year’s Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, director Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) joined Gosling, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, and Dave Filoni on the stage to formally announce the project and confirm a May 28, 2027 release date.
With Levy’s experience in action-driven blockbusters and Gosling’s established star power, Lucasfilm is clearly aiming for a balance between spectacle and character-driven storytelling.
As for potential cameos, particularly from sequel trilogy characters such as Rey (Daisy Ridley), nothing has been confirmed. Although during the recent Toronto International Film Festival, Oscar Isaac, who played Poe Dameron in the last three Star Wars films, told Entertainment Tonight that he’s open to returning alongside Gosling, with whom he starred in the film Drive (2011).
Related: Mia Goth Joins Ryan Gosling in Shawn Levy’s Star Wars Epic
Starfighter isn’t the only title Lucasfilm has on the horizon. Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu is set for May 2026, one year before Levy’s standalone film.
Other projects that are still reportedly in the works are James Mangold’s Jedi-origin story, Taika Waititi’s standalone adventure, and a Dave Filoni crossover connecting multiple Disney+ television shows. Even shelved projects like Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron are apparently still on the radar.
Star Wars: Starfighter releases in theaters on May 28, 2027. It also stars Flynn Gray (Baltimore), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Mia Goth (Pearl), Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge), Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners), Jamael Westman (Animals), Daniel Ings (The Crown), and Amy Adams (Man of Steel).
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