Star Wars Starfighter Movie - Your Guide to the Galaxy’s Next Big Adventure

Hey, Star Wars fans! Buckle up, because the galaxy far, far away is about to get a thrilling new chapter with Star Wars Starfighter, hitting theaters on May 28, 2027. Picture this: epic space battles, a fresh story, Ryan Gosling rocking a starring role, and Shawn Levy calling the shots from the director’s chair. If you’re as excited as we are about this Star Wars: Starfighter movie, keep reading for the scoop on what’s coming, why it’s a big deal, and answers to all your burning questions. We’re diving into the cast, the vibe, and what makes this film a must-see for Star Wars lovers and newbies alike.

What’s Star Wars: Starfighter All About?

Imagine a Star Wars movie that’s not tied to the Skywalkers, the Jedi, or any of the usual suspects. That’s Star Wars: Starfighter—a brand-new adventure bursting with original characters and a story we’ve never seen on the big screen. Announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan on April 17, 2025, this film takes place about five years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), making it the furthest leap forward in the Star Wars movie timeline yet.

The title Star Wars: Starfighter hints at jaw-dropping space dogfights and daring pilots, like those iconic X-Wing and TIE Fighter battles we all love. But don’t expect a rehash of the 2001 Star Wars: Starfighter video game—this is a fresh tale. Ryan Gosling, our leading man, and director Shawn Levy promise a story packed with “heart and adventure.” Think thrilling action, new worlds, and characters you’ll root for, all wrapped in that classic Star Wars magic.

Meet the Dream Team

Shawn Levy: The Guy Behind the Camera

Shawn Levy is the mastermind directing Star Wars: Starfighter, and he’s bringing serious credentials. You probably know him from Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), which made over $1.3 billion and had audiences cheering. Or maybe you loved Free Guy or The Adam Project—both show Levy’s knack for mixing action, laughs, and feels. He’s a lifelong Star Wars nerd (like us!), so he gets what makes the franchise special. Shawn’s been working on this since 2022, teaming up with Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy and Star Wars guru Dave Filoni. He’s promised a movie that feels like his own while still screaming Star Wars. We’re already hyped!

Ryan Gosling: The Star of the Show

Okay, let’s talk about Ryan Gosling. The guy who stole our hearts in Barbie, went gritty in Drive, and soared as Neil Armstrong in First Man is now joining the Star Wars universe. How cool is that? His role is still a mystery, but we’re betting he’ll be a charismatic pilot or maybe a rogue hero with Han Solo vibes. At Star Wars Celebration, Ryan rocked a cap quoting Han’s “Never tell me the odds,” which got fans buzzing. He’s called the script “special” and Shawn’s vision “perfect,” so we know he’s all in. With Gosling’s charm and talent, Star Wars: Starfighter is about to get a major glow-up.

Jonathan Tropper: The Story Weaver

The script comes from Jonathan Tropper, who’s worked with Shawn Levy on heartfelt hits like The Adam Project and This Is Where I Leave You. Jonathan’s got a gift for writing stories that hit you in the feels while keeping you on the edge of your seat. He’s been crafting this Star Wars: Starfighter tale for over two years, so expect characters you’ll care about and a plot that keeps you guessing.

What’s the Story? (No Spoilers, Promise!)

Lucasfilm is playing the plot close to the chest, but here’s what we’ve pieced together about Star Wars: Starfighter:

• When It Happens: The movie’s set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, so we’re in a new era of the Star Wars galaxy. No more Palpatine or First Order drama—this is uncharted territory.
• New Faces, New Places: Forget Luke, Rey, or Darth Vader. Star Wars: Starfighter introduces all-new characters, with Ryan Gosling leading the pack. Word is, they’re casting a teen actor to star alongside him, plus some intriguing villains. Shawn Levy’s hinted at “a world we’ve never seen,” so expect fresh planets and maybe new alien species.
• Starfighter Action: The title says it all—expect epic space battles with sleek starfighters zipping through the cosmos. Think Top Gun meets Star Wars, with heart-pounding dogfights.
• The Vibe: Ryan Gosling says it’s got “heart and adventure,” and Shawn Levy wants it to feel like a true Star Wars story but with his personal touch. Picture emotional moments, heroic stands, and that Star Wars sense of wonder.

Shawn’s made it clear this isn’t a sequel or prequel—it’s a standalone adventure. You won’t need to binge the entire Star Wars saga to enjoy it, which makes it perfect for newcomers and longtime fans alike.

When’s It Coming Out?

Mark your calendars: Star Wars: Starfighter lands in theaters on May 28, 2027. Filming kicks off in fall 2025, possibly as early as September. That’s a quick turnaround for a Star Wars movie, showing how confident Lucasfilm is in Shawn Levy and his team. It’ll hit screens just over a year after The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22, 2026), so Star Wars fans are in for a treat with back-to-back films.

Why We’re So Excited for Star Wars: Starfighter

Star Wars has had its ups and downs lately—some loved the Sequel Trilogy, others not so much, and Solo didn’t quite soar. Star Wars: Starfighter feels like a fresh start, and here’s why it’s got us counting down the days:

• A New Chapter: Set after The Rise of Skywalker, it’s exploring a part of the Star Wars timeline we’ve never seen in movies. No nostalgia overload, just new stories.
• Anyone Can Jump In: As a standalone, you don’t need to know every Star Wars detail to have fun. It’s a great entry point for new fans.
• Ryan Gosling’s Star Power: Let’s be real—Gosling’s a big deal. His movies draw crowds, and he’s got the chops to make his Star Wars character unforgettable.
• Shawn Levy’s Magic: Shawn’s a pro at making movies that are fun, heartfelt, and epic. If anyone can nail a Star Wars adventure, it’s him.
• Breaking the Mold: Unlike recent Star Wars projects leaning on familiar faces, this one’s all about new characters and worlds. It’s a bold move, and we’re here for it.

Ryan Gosling in the Star Wars Galaxy

Ryan Gosling in a Star Wars movie? Pinch us, we’re dreaming! Fans on X are losing it, calling him the perfect pick for a Star Wars: Starfighter hero. His intense roles in Blade Runner 2049 and Drive show he can handle action, while Barbie proved he’s got charm for days. That Han Solo cap moment at Star Wars Celebration has everyone wondering: Will he play a scruffy pilot? A secret Jedi? Whatever it is, we trust Gosling to make it iconic.

Fun fact: Ryan was almost in Star Wars: The Force Awakens back in 2015, possibly for Kylo Ren (which went to Adam Driver). Now, he’s finally joining the galaxy, and it feels like fate. His space experience in First Man makes him a natural fit for a starfighter pilot, don’t you think?

Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling: A Match Made in the Stars

Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling are a dynamic duo. Shawn’s blockbuster hits and Ryan’s stellar acting are a recipe for something special. They both love Star Wars—Shawn’s talked about the fans being the “Force,” and Ryan brought his childhood Star Wars bedsheets to Celebration (relatable!). Their passion means Star Wars: Starfighter won’t just be another movie—it’ll be a love letter to the franchise. Shawn’s action chops from Deadpool & Wolverine and Ryan’s emotional depth are sure to make those starfighter battles and character moments hit hard.

What Else Is Happening in Star Wars?

Star Wars: Starfighter is just one piece of a bigger Star Wars puzzle. The next movie, The Mandalorian & Grogu, drops on May 22, 2026, with Baby Yoda and Din Djarin stealing the show. Other films in the works include:

• A Rey movie directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, picking up after The Rise of Skywalker.
• James Mangold’s epic about the first Jedi, going way back in Star Wars history.
• A new trilogy from Simon Kinberg, exploring stories beyond the Skywalkers.
• Maybe something from Taika Waititi, but details are hush-hush.

On TV, we’ve got Andor Season 2, Ahsoka Season 2, and more Star Wars: Visions coming. Star Wars: Starfighter is the big follow-up to The Mandalorian & Grogu, and it’s got us pumped for Star Wars’ cinematic comeback.

Your Star Wars: Starfighter FAQs

Final Thoughts

Star Wars: Starfighter is shaping up to be the Star Wars movie we’ve all been waiting for. With Shawn Levy’s blockbuster magic, Ryan Gosling’s star power, and a story that’s all about new adventures, it’s ready to blast off into the galaxy. Whether you’ve been a Star Wars fan since A New Hope or you’re just here for Ryan Gosling (no judgment!), this film’s got something for everyone. As we wait for May 28, 2027, keep an eye out for casting news, trailers, and more from Lucasfilm.

So, grab your lightsaber (or maybe a starfighter joystick), and get ready for Star Wars: Starfighter to take you on a wild ride. May the Force be with you, always!