Star Wars: Starfighter Officially Announced at Star Wars Celebration Tokyo
In a major reveal that thrilled fans across the galaxy, Lucasfilm has officially announced Star Wars: Starfighter, a new standalone installment in the Star Wars franchise starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy. The announcement was made during Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni unveiling the project to a roaring crowd. The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027.
Set After The Rise of Skywalker, Introducing New Characters
Unlike past installments that followed the Skywalker lineage, Star Wars: Starfighter will introduce an entirely new set of characters and is set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the film is expected to explore fresh corners of the galaxy, offering a new perspective to long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Jonathan Tropper Tapped as Screenwriter
The screenplay is penned by Jonathan Tropper, best known for his work on The Adam Project and This Is Where I Leave You. Tropper, who has a strong collaborative history with Levy, brings a blend of heart and high-stakes storytelling, setting the stage for an emotionally resonant space adventure.
Gosling and Levy: Fans Turned Creators
Appearing live during the announcement event, Ryan Gosling wore a hat that cheekily read “Never tell me the odds”—a reference to Han Solo’s iconic line. He expressed his excitement for joining the Star Wars universe: “There’s so much love and imagination here. These movies meant the world to me growing up. Now we just hope the fans are with us.”
Director Shawn Levy, coming off the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, added, “We’ve spent our lives in this audience. We understand how meaningful these stories are.” With Levy’s track record and Gosling’s star power, Starfighter is shaping up to be a high-stakes cinematic event.
A Franchise Milestone Following The Mandalorian & Grogu
Star Wars: Starfighter will follow the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. That project, directed by Jon Favreau, will serve as a bridge from Disney+ to the big screen and marks the franchise’s return to theaters since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.
Ryan Gosling’s Bold Foray Into the Galaxy
While Gosling is not typically known for franchise films, his recent work in Barbie and Blade Runner 2049 demonstrated his range and willingness to engage with iconic IPs. Starfighter marks a notable shift, placing him at the forefront of one of cinema’s most enduring universes.
Production Begins in Fall 2025
According to Variety, the film will begin production in fall 2025, with casting and storyline details expected to emerge over the coming months. With Lucasfilm, Disney, and a powerhouse team behind it, Star Wars: Starfighter promises to reignite fan excitement and usher in a new chapter for the legendary saga.
Star Wars: Starfighter comes to theaters on May 28, 2027. #StarWarsCelebration pic.twitter.com/dsbVb3VdBY
— Star Wars (@starwars) April 18, 2025