Credit: LucasfilmThere’s no denying that the Star Wars franchise is struggling, with the latest film, The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026), underperforming commercially and failing to impress audiences and critics.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
Directed by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian & Grogu, which released on May 22, stars Pedro Pascal as the titular bounty hunter and is a continuation of the Disney+ series.
However, the film marks the latest in a string of divisive and underperforming Star Wars content spanning the last nine years, from the sequel trilogy’s The Last Jedi (2017) through live-action television series such as The Book of Boba Fett (2021), Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), Ahsoka (2023), The Acolyte (2024), and The Mandalorian Season 3, which all drew mixed to negative reactions from fans.
But while The Mandalorian & Grogu has failed to generate buzz, fans at least seem excited for the next film on Lucasfilm’s slate: Star Wars: Starfighter (2027).
Star Wars: Starfighter
Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine), Star Wars: Starfighter is a “standalone adventure” set five years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
StarWars.com describes the film as “an entirely original story set in a period of time never before explored” in the franchise. It stars Ryan Gosling in the lead role, alongside Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.
The project was first announced last year at Star Wars Celebration Japan, where the first teaser was shared:
Star Wars: Starfighter comes to theaters on May 28, 2027. #StarWarsCelebration pic.twitter.com/dsbVb3VdBY
— Star Wars (@starwars) April 18, 2025
Related: Disney Is Launching a New ‘Star Wars’ Timeline in 2026, More Information Coming in July
Now, according to Deadline, early footage from Starfighter was shown at CineEurope.
No details about what was seen have been shared, although it’s expected that a proper reveal will be unveiled at this year’s D23, which takes place August 14–16 in Anaheim, California. While nothing has been announced, the event is the most likely place to host the first official trailer.
Other upcoming films that were also showcased at CineEurope included Avengers: Doomsday, Ice Age: Boiling Point, Moana, and Whalefall. During the presentation, Disney also provided more information about its new large-format movie screenings named “Infinity Vision.”
Star Wars: Starfighter lands in theaters on May 28th, 2027, which includes IMAX screenings.
Are you excited about Star Wars: Starfighter? Let us know in the comments!
