The biggest revelation from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was that Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine, is set to direct the new standalone, live-action film, Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling. This highly anticipated film is slated to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, following the release of 2026’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, with production kicking off this fall.
While details about the plot remain scarce, Lucasfilm has confirmed that Star Wars: Starfighter is set five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, making it the furthest point in the Star Wars timeline explored in a film or series to date. This new setting opens up a largely unexplored period in the Star Wars universe, prompting speculation about what might unfold in the galaxy post-Rise of Skywalker.
Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show
View 22 Images
The Star Wars: Starfighter Games
It's worth noting that the title Star Wars: Starfighter echoes a series of video games from the early 2000s, including the original Star Wars: Starfighter (2001) and its sequel, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter (2002). While the new film shares its name with these games, it is unlikely to draw heavily from their plots, which were set during Episodes I and II respectively. However, the film might adopt the engaging ship-to-ship combat style seen in Jedi Starfighter, which introduced Force powers into the gameplay. This could add an exciting dimension to the movie's action sequences, especially if Gosling's character is both a Jedi and a skilled pilot.
The Fate of the New Republic
The Rise of Skywalker concludes with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine, but leaves the galaxy's political landscape ambiguous. The New Republic, severely weakened after the destruction of Hosnian Prime by the First Order's Starkiller Base, remains a focal point of uncertainty. Internal conflicts between Populists and Centrists, as detailed in the novel Star Wars: Bloodline, could continue to plague the Republic's efforts to regroup and rebuild. Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still be active, potentially rallying around a new leader in the power vacuum left by Kylo Ren's demise.
The galaxy's ongoing power struggles and the rise of piracy, as depicted in The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, suggest a turbulent environment ripe for epic space battles. Gosling's character might be a New Republic pilot striving to restore order, or a local hero defending his world amidst the chaos, perhaps even a former First Order trooper akin to Finn.
As a standalone film, Star Wars: Starfighter is not expected to introduce a new overarching conflict but rather to explore the aftermath of The Rise of Skywalker, focusing on a villain exploiting the galactic power vacuum.
Rebuilding the Jedi Order
Luke Skywalker's initial efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order were thwarted by Ben Solo's betrayal, which led to the destruction of the Jedi Temple. While many Jedi perished, it's conceivable that some survived, including figures like Ahsoka Tano, whose voice was heard among the Force ghosts in The Rise of Skywalker. The current state of the Jedi Order remains unclear, but Rey Skywalker is set to continue Luke's legacy in the New Jedi Order movie, scheduled 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker.
Whether Star Wars: Starfighter will delve into the Jedi's status depends on whether Gosling's character is Force-sensitive. If so, we might see a brief appearance by Rey as she connects with this new pilot. Otherwise, the film might focus on non-Jedi heroes, similar to Rogue One and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Are the Sith Still Around?
With Palpatine's definitive defeat in The Rise of Skywalker, the question remains whether the Sith still linger in the galaxy. Historical precedents from the Expanded Universe suggest that the Sith may resurface, as they did with Darth Krayt in the Star Wars: Legacy comics. The Dark Side has always attracted those seeking power, and there could be surviving members of the Knights of Ren or other Dark Side practitioners waiting to fill the void left by Palpatine.
However, whether Star Wars: Starfighter will address the Sith's presence might hinge on Gosling's character's nature. If he's not a Jedi, the film might bypass this storyline, leaving it for future projects like the New Jedi Order movie or Simon Kinberg's Star Wars trilogy.
Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?
Star Wars: Starfighter introduces a new lead in Ryan Gosling and explores a fresh period in the Star Wars timeline. As a standalone film, it may not feature many familiar faces, but Star Wars films often include cameos. Poe Dameron, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, could make an appearance given his status as the galaxy's premier pilot and his role in rebuilding the New Republic.
Chewbacca's involvement is also conceivable, perhaps as Gosling's co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon. Finn, played by John Boyega, might return if the film delves into conflicts with First Order remnants, given his role in inspiring defecting Stormtroopers. Rey's presence would likely depend on whether Gosling's character is a Jedi, aligning with her efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Which surviving character from The Rise of Skywalker would you most like to see in Star Wars: Starfighter? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know in the comments below.
