Star Wars: Starfighter is the next major addition to the Star Wars franchise, scheduled for release in May 2027. Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, the film promises a completely new chapter for the saga, moving away from the Skywalker storyline and the established lore that has defined the series for decades.
The story takes place about five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. According to Levy, Star Wars: Starfighter is set in a post-Exegol galaxy, a period of rebuilding following the fall of the First Order and the end of the Resistance’s long struggle. This setting opens up fresh possibilities, free from the weight of previous conflicts and characters.
Ryan Gosling, best known recently for his role as Ken in Barbie, has been cast as the lead. He will play a brand-new character created specifically for this film. Details about his role are still under wraps. No plot synopsis has been released, and the supporting cast remains unconfirmed. So far, all we have seen officially is the movie’s logo and brief comments made by Levy during the Star Wars Celebration event in Japan.
Levy has stressed that this will be a new adventure featuring new characters and set in a new time period. It will not serve as a prequel or a direct sequel to the existing nine-episode saga. Instead, Star Wars: Starfighter aims to stand on its own with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It is intended as a standalone story rather than part of a sprawling trilogy or shared cinematic universe.
This approach has been welcomed by parts of the fanbase. Jimmy “Mac” McInerney, host and producer of Rebel Force Radio, pointed out that the franchise sometimes struggles under the weight of its own history. He believes that a self-contained story could provide a much-needed reset after the divisive sequel trilogy. According to McInerney, a standalone Star Wars film has the potential to offer a fresh experience that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers without getting bogged down in existing continuity.
The timing of this project is also notable. Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm in 2012 has led to an aggressive expansion of the Star Wars brand, but many of the recent projects have been closely tied to established characters and timelines. Star Wars: Starfighter appears to be a deliberate move to explore new territory, offering a chance to build fresh lore without the expectations that often accompany familiar names like Skywalker, Kenobi, or Solo.
At this stage, there is no trailer, no footage, and very little official artwork beyond the film’s title logo. It’s expected that marketing will ramp up in late 2025 or early 2026, following Disney’s usual pattern for major releases. Until then, fans can only speculate about the plot, new worlds, and what kind of tone Levy and Gosling will bring to the project.
Star Wars: Starfighter could be a turning point for Star Wars cinema. Whether it succeeds in creating a new foundation or ends up lost in the crowded entertainment landscape will depend heavily on the strength of its story, its characters, and its ability to balance nostalgia with innovation. For now, those eager to revisit the galaxy far, far away can find plenty of Star Wars content available on Disney+ while waiting for more news.