Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter Blasts Off as the Franchise's First True Standalone Since 1977

Forget everything you think you know about Star Wars needing prequels and sequels! Director Shawn Levy is shaking up the galaxy with Starfighter, promising an all-new adventure led by Ryan Gosling that's completely fresh.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways on Star Wars: Starfighter

• Breaking Tradition: Star Wars: Starfighter is confirmed as the franchise's first truly standalone film since A New Hope in 1977, with all-new characters and a new timeline.
• Star-Studded Cast & Vision: Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine, Stranger Things), it stars Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, Amy Adams, and Mia Goth, aiming for a "spirit of play and big-hearted adventure."
• Coming Soon: Mark your calendars for May 28, 2027, when this fresh take on the galaxy far, far away lands in theaters worldwide.

Imagine walking into a movie theater, ready to be swept away to a galaxy far, far away, without needing to binge-watch a dozen films and TV shows first. Sounds like a dream for many, right? Well, director Shawn Levy is making that dream a reality with his upcoming film, Star Wars: Starfighter, which is officially set to be the first truly standalone Star Wars cinematic adventure since the original A New Hope hit screens back in 1977. That’s a massive shift for a franchise built on an intricate, interconnected saga!

Levy, known for blockbusters like Deadpool & Wolverine and the fan-favorite Stranger Things, isn’t just adding another chapter to an existing story. He’s building something entirely new from the ground up. "It is surreal and awesome every day walking onto this set, to have made up a new and original Star Wars story that is neither a sequel nor a prequel to anything," Levy enthusiastically shared with Entertainment Weekly on November 10, 2025. This isn't just another installment; it's a bold leap into uncharted territory.

A Galactic Opportunity for Fresh Storytelling and New Faces

This commitment to originality is a core pillar of Levy’s vision. He describes Starfighter as an "all-new non-sequel, non-prequel adventure" featuring "new characters, [and] a new timeline," as he revealed to Collider on November 10, 2025. While it will "inherit legacy themes" that Star Wars fans adore, the ultimate goal is to give audiences "something fresh, something new." This approach aims to capture the magic of discovering a vast universe for the very first time, just as many did with Luke Skywalker's initial journey.

Part of bringing this fresh vision to life is the exciting cast, led by none other than Ryan Gosling. Gosling, who will be playing an unspecified lead role, has already expressed his enthusiasm, calling it "such a great story with great and original characters... so much heart and adventure." He’s joined by a stellar ensemble including Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams, promising a vibrant new roster of heroes and villains.

"I have deep respect and love for this historic legacy, but a chance to do something fresh and original and to do it with Jonathan Tropper, the writer of The Adam Project, and with Gosling. Every day it's hard as hell, but it's dream-come-true territory every day."

— Shawn Levy, Director of Star Wars: Starfighter (Entertainment Weekly, November 10, 2025)

Shawn Levy's Lifelong Star Wars Love Shapes This New Adventure

Levy’s connection to Star Wars runs deep, influencing his filmmaking sensibility throughout his career. He openly admits, "Star Wars has always been the defining influence on my filmmaking sensibility. It always was. It always will be." He even points to specific examples, like the final battle in his film The Adam Project, which features Ryan Reynolds with a staff that feels "a little bit like a lightsaber," and a speeder chase reminiscent of Luke and Leia's iconic pursuit in 1983's Return of the Jedi. Source: [Entertainment Weekly, "Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray on the set of 'Star Wars: Starfighter'", November 10, 2025].

For Starfighter, Levy is aiming to channel the "spirit of play and big-hearted adventure with moments of real levity that, frankly, A New Hope had in a revolutionary way." This means audiences can expect a film that embraces the fun and wonder that defined the franchise's early days, rather than getting bogged down in overly complex lore or grim narratives. Levy's earlier comments from 2024 (as reported by CBR) also highlight his intention to incorporate core Star Wars themes organically, like "the Force and a connection to something bigger than our individual selves," combining them with "visual delight and wish fulfillment."

Visual Innovation and Top-Secret Production Details

To achieve this "visual delight," Levy has brought in acclaimed cinematographer Claudio Miranda, known for his breathtaking work on films like Life of Pi and the adrenaline-pumping Top Gun: Maverick. Levy calls Miranda "the Professor" due to his innovative approach to camera platforms and lens design, emphasizing his ability to create a "visceral kinetic ride." Miranda's expertise in placing viewers "in the action... in that cockpit, in that driver's seat" will undoubtedly be a huge asset in crafting the kind of dynamic space battles and thrilling sequences Star Wars is famous for. Source: [Collider, "Shawn Levy reveals ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ is franchise’s first standalone film: “A huge invigorating opportunity”", November 10, 2025].

Keeping details under wraps for a project of this magnitude is a Herculean task, but Levy credits his experience on Stranger Things for his newfound stealth skills. "Stranger Things taught me to keep my mouth shut," he joked, grateful for the ability to keep major reveals like Ryan Gosling's casting, the movie's title, and its release date quiet for so long. This level of secrecy only adds to the anticipation for what promises to be a truly unique entry in the Star Wars canon.

Navigating the Galaxy: Trade-offs of a Standalone Story

While the idea of a fresh Star Wars story is invigorating, it's also a significant departure that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the extensive, interconnected nature of the Star Wars universe, which ties everything from Clone Wars to The Mandalorian into one grand tapestry, is a major draw for many devoted fans. For these "purists," as FandomWire describes them, the lack of explicit ties or deep-cut Easter eggs might feel like a missed opportunity or even a betrayal of the franchise's magic. Source: [FandomWire, "Star Wars Loyalists Won’t Love This: Shawn Levy Confirms Zero Prequel or Sequel Ties", November 10, 2025].

However, this bold move offers a tremendous advantage for general movie audiences and newcomers. As MovieWeb notes, "Every time a filmmaker has tried to do something new... there has been resistance from loyal fans." Yet, a standalone film could bypass the intimidation factor of having to understand decades of lore, making Starfighter an incredibly accessible entry point. It's a bet that audiences are ready for new adventures without the weight of an entire saga on their shoulders, echoing the success of original stories like Andor in the TV space, which connected with fans by focusing on compelling narratives rather than overwhelming lore. Source: [MovieWeb, "Does 'New' Apply in 'Star Wars'?", November 10, 2025].

For example, think back to the original Star Wars: A New Hope. When it premiered in 1977, it didn't rely on existing film history for its impact. It simply opened a window into a vibrant, imaginative universe and allowed audiences to immediately connect with its characters and story. There was no pressure to understand what came before or to speculate about future connections; it was a complete, captivating experience on its own. Starfighter aims to recapture that fundamental, unencumbered sense of wonder, offering a story that can stand tall and proud without needing to lean on established narratives.

Lucasfilm itself is reportedly very supportive of Levy’s vision, giving him "huge invigorating opportunity because Lucasfilm has been so encouraging of me doing something new." There's "no pressure to be derivative or limited by an obligation to what came before," highlighting a strategic shift toward creative freedom within the beloved universe. Levy is reuniting with The Adam Project writer Jonathan Tropper for the screenplay, aiming to craft a narrative that feels authentically Star Wars while blazing a new trail.

Set five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the film's placement in the timeline suggests it can explore the aftermath of the First Order's defeat without getting entangled in the Skywalker family drama. This specific timing offers a blank canvas for new heroes, new conflicts, and a refreshed perspective on the galaxy, while still existing within the broader narrative established by George Lucas, who is credited as a co-writer.

Practical Takeaways for Your Galactic Journey

So, what does all this mean for you, the moviegoer eagerly awaiting your next trip to the stars?

• A Fresh Start Awaits: You won't need to do any homework before seeing Star Wars: Starfighter. It’s designed as a complete, standalone story perfect for both die-hard fans and curious newcomers.
• Star Power Leads the Way: Ryan Gosling helms an impressive new cast, promising compelling new characters to root for (or against!).
• Visual Spectacle Guaranteed: Expect breathtaking visuals and intense action thanks to Shawn Levy’s direction and Claudio Miranda’s cinematography, putting you right in the middle of the cosmic action.
• Return to Classic Fun: Levy aims to recapture the adventurous, big-hearted, and light-hearted tone that made A New Hope so revolutionary.
• Mark Your Calendars: The journey begins on May 28, 2027, when Star Wars: Starfighter arrives in theaters worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Star Wars: Starfighter

When is Star Wars: Starfighter being released? The film is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on May 28, 2027.

Is Star Wars: Starfighter a sequel or prequel? No, director Shawn Levy has explicitly stated it is a standalone story, neither a sequel nor a prequel to any existing Star Wars film or series. It features new characters and a new timeline.

Who is directing Star Wars: Starfighter? Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine and Stranger Things, is directing the film.

Who are the main actors in Star Wars: Starfighter? Ryan Gosling leads an ensemble cast that includes Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.

Sources:

• CBR, "Star Wars: Starfighter Director Shawn Levy Clarifies Movie Is "Neither A Sequel Nor A Prequel To Anything"", November 10, 2025.
• Collider, "Shawn Levy reveals ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ is franchise’s first standalone film: “A huge invigorating opportunity”", November 10, 2025.
• Entertainment Weekly, "Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray on the set of 'Star Wars: Starfighter'", November 10, 2025.
• FandomWire, "Star Wars Loyalists Won’t Love This: Shawn Levy Confirms Zero Prequel or Sequel Ties", November 10, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "Does 'New' Apply in 'Star Wars'?", November 10, 2025.
• Geo News, "'Star Wars' influenced this director on mega level", November 10, 2025.