Star Wars: Starfighter Charting a Bold, Original Course for the Galaxy

Forget everything you thought you knew about where Star Wars goes next. Shawn Levy's Starfighter is blasting off with an entirely fresh, standalone adventure, promising new faces and a brand-new corner of the galaxy.

TL;DR: Your Quick Glimpse into the Galaxy

• Star Wars: Starfighter is an all-new, non-sequel/prequel story, set approximately five years after The Rise of Skywalker.
• Shawn Levy directs an A-list cast including Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams.
• The film aims for groundbreaking visuals and a return to A New Hope's spirit of "big-hearted adventure," launching on May 28, 2027.

A Brand New Adventure for a Galaxy Far, Far Away

When you hear "Star Wars," what's the first image that sparks in your mind? Is it a Skywalker? A familiar ship? Or perhaps, the echoes of a conflict from a long, long time ago? Well, prepare to recalibrate your internal hyperdrive, because the next big-screen Star Wars saga is aiming to deliver something entirely different.

Director Shawn Levy, known for hits like Deadpool & Wolverine and Stranger Things, is at the helm of Star Wars: Starfighter, a project that is officially breaking new ground. This isn’t a sequel to previous sagas, nor is it a prequel diving into established lore. Instead, it’s an "all-new non-sequel, non-prequel adventure," introducing fresh characters and exploring a unique timeline. This film is set roughly five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, stepping into a post-First Order galaxy where new challenges and heroes emerge. Source: [StarWars.com, via Inside the Magic, "Lucasfilm Confirms 'Starfighter' Status," November 12, 2025].

Levy describes this as a massive opportunity, with Lucasfilm actively encouraging him to create something genuinely new. He’s aiming to capture the "spirit of play and big-hearted adventure with moments of real levity that, frankly, A New Hope had in a revolutionary way." This emphasis on originality, while still honoring the essence of what came before, is a guiding principle for the entire production. Source: [Collider, "What Shawn Levy Wants From Star Wars: Starfighter," November 12, 2025].

"My experience is that I genuinely feel like my 10-year-old self is on set with me every day. It is astonishing, and it's complicated and thrilling every day."

— Shawn Levy, Director of Star Wars: Starfighter (ScreenRant, November 13, 2025)

An Exciting Ensemble Cast Ready to Take Flight

The cast for Star Wars: Starfighter is already generating significant buzz. Leading the charge is Ryan Gosling, whose role remains shrouded in mystery, though he’s described as Levy's "central collaborator." Joining him is Flynn Gray in a co-lead role, a young actor whose presence has sparked theories about a potential Jedi-Padawan storyline, reminiscent of classic Star Wars dynamics. Early reports hint that Gosling's character might be a Jedi training his 15-year-old nephew, portrayed by Gray, while pursued by formidable villains. Source: [Inside the Magic, "Starfighter’s Jedi-Padawan Storyline Speculation Grows," November 12, 2025].

Speaking of villains, Matt Smith and Mia Goth are reportedly stepping into antagonist roles, a fitting turn for Smith who was famously cut from The Rise of Skywalker where he was rumored to play a younger Palpatine. Levy acknowledges these past stories, stating that for Smith, being in Starfighter "feels like it's destiny fulfilled." Smith is expected to begin filming in December, undergoing costume finalization, indicating his character will have a prominent, visually distinct presence. Source: [ScreenRant, "Matt Smith's Star Wars Destiny Fulfilled With Starfighter," November 13, 2025].

The stellar lineup doesn't stop there. Amy Adams is also part of the ensemble, with rumors suggesting she could play a crucial role, potentially as the Padawan's mother or even a Jedi herself. Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings round out the diverse and talented cast. Production for the film kicked off in August and is "a little over halfway done" as of Levy's recent interviews, meaning there's still plenty of galactic action being captured.

Confirmed Cast of Star Wars: Starfighter

• Ryan Gosling (Lead)
• Flynn Gray (Co-lead)
• Mia Goth (Reported Villain)
• Matt Smith (Reported Villain, filming starts December)
• Amy Adams
• Aaron Pierre
• Simon Bird
• Jamael Westman
• Daniel Ings

Visually Immersive Action to Elevate the Cinematic Experience

Beyond the compelling story and star-studded cast, Levy is committed to pushing visual boundaries. He's teamed up with acclaimed cinematographer Claudio Miranda, known for his breathtaking work on films like Top Gun: Maverick and Life of Pi. Levy describes Miranda as "a huge gift to a Star Wars movie" due to his innovative approach to camera platforms, lenses, and formats. Source: [ComicBook.com, "Shawn Levy Promises Star Wars: Starfighter Will Deliver Something New," November 12, 2025].

Miranda’s expertise in creating visceral, kinetic action sequences will be key for Starfighter. His ability to immerse audiences directly into the action, whether it's "in that cockpit" or "in that driver's seat" as seen in Top Gun: Maverick and F1, is a "superpower" Levy sought for this film. Imagine an aerial dogfight that feels as immediate and intense as the iconic trench run from A New Hope, but with a modern, groundbreaking visual flair. This commitment to practical, immersive filmmaking could deliver a Star Wars experience unlike any before.

For example, picture a scene where Ryan Gosling’s character is piloting his ship through an asteroid field. Instead of feeling like an external observer, Miranda’s techniques aim to put you right there, feeling every jolt, every near miss, the light glinting off the cockpit controls as if you’re the one gripping the joystick. It’s about creating a tangible, breathtaking spectacle that truly demands the biggest screen possible.

The Persistent Rumor Mill: Trilogy Hopes and Potential Connections

Despite director Shawn Levy's clear statements that Starfighter is a "standalone adventure" with a "new timeline" and "new characters," the swirling currents of fan speculation and industry rumors continue to suggest otherwise. Some insider reports hint that Starfighter might actually serve as the launchpad for a new trilogy. Source: [Inside the Magic, "Has Lucasfilm Already Moved Away From the Starfighter Concept?", November 12, 2025]. This creates an interesting tension between official statements and fan expectations.

One persistent rumor, cited by social media scooper @MyTimeToShineH (via SFFGazette), posits a key cameo from Daisy Ridley’s Rey Skywalker, potentially linking Starfighter to Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's delayed New Jedi Order project. The idea is that the film’s rumored Jedi-Padawan storyline, involving a Force-sensitive boy protected by his mother (possibly Amy Adams' character), could lead the young protagonist onto Rey's path, effectively bridging new narratives with the sequel trilogy. While intriguing, Levy has been unequivocal that there is "no pressure to be derivative or limited by an obligation to what came before."

Addressing Concerns About Star Wars' Future Direction

The path for new Star Wars content has often been met with mixed reactions from its passionate fanbase. The franchise faces the unique challenge of satisfying viewers who cherish decades of established lore, while simultaneously attracting new audiences and pushing creative boundaries. Films and series that stray too far from familiar elements, like some aspects of The Acolyte (which received mixed results), can sometimes meet resistance. Conversely, projects like Andor, which offered a fresh tone and perspective while still feeling inherently "Star Wars," have garnered critical acclaim.

This is where Starfighter aims to strike a delicate balance. It intends to "inherit legacy themes" and a "love of what came before" without being constrained by past narratives. Another point of contention for recent Star Wars big-screen hopefuls was the reception of the first trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu. Some critiques suggested it didn't feel as "cinematic" or like a "summer tentpole" as previous Star Wars Movies. Source: [ComicBook.com, "What Shawn Levy’s Comments Mean for Star Wars: Starfighter," November 12, 2025].

This feedback underscores the importance of visual innovation for Starfighter. Levy and his cinematographer Claudio Miranda are explicitly aiming to deliver a visually groundbreaking experience that demands to be seen on the biggest screens. By focusing on immersive action and a fresh aesthetic, Starfighter could re-establish the cinematic grandeur expected from a Star Wars film, proving that newness can indeed be truly spectacular and satisfy both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Shawn Levy is fully embracing the opportunity to innovate. He recognizes that for a franchise pushing its fifth decade, evolving not just in storytelling but in filmmaking craft is essential to its continued relevance. George Lucas himself was a pioneer in using Star Wars to advance technology and production methods, and Levy seems poised to carry that torch forward with Starfighter.

Practical Takeaways for Eager Star Wars Fans

• Mark Your Calendars: Star Wars: Starfighter is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, precisely 50 years after the original film's release.
• Expect Something New: This film is explicitly designed as a standalone adventure with new characters and a fresh timeline, aiming to capture the spirit of discovery from A New Hope.
• Prepare for Visual Spectacle: With acclaimed cinematographer Claudio Miranda on board, anticipate immersive and groundbreaking action sequences that will demand a big-screen viewing.
• Keep an Ear Out for Cast Updates: While a core cast led by Ryan Gosling is confirmed, specific character details and roles, particularly around the rumored Jedi-Padawan plot, are likely to emerge as production continues.

Sources:

• ScreenRant, "Star Wars: Starfighter Director Shawn Levy Provides Production Update & How It Fulfills Matt Smith's Star Wars Destiny," November 13, 2025.
• Collider, "Shawn Levy Details What He Wants From Star Wars: Starfighter, Says Lucasfilm Is ‘Encouraging Me Doing Something New’," November 12, 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "Star Wars: Starfighter Director Shawn Levy Gives An Update On Production And There’s Still A Ton Of Filming Left," November 12, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "Shawn Levy Reveals the Best Thing About Star Wars: Starfighter," November 12, 2025.
• Jedi News, "Matt Smith to Join Star Wars: Starfighter Production in December," November 13, 2025.
• Inside the Magic, "Lucasfilm Confirms 'Starfighter' Status Amid Latest Star Wars Trilogy Rumors," November 12, 2025.
• Dark Horizons, "Levy's "Starfighter" Is Fresh, Non-Derivative," November 12, 2025.
• ComicBook.com, "Shawn Levy Promises Star Wars: Starfighter Will Deliver Something New," November 12, 2025.