Lucasfilm has officially announced the complete cast for the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter, marking a significant expansion in the iconic space opera franchise with an original story set in an unexplored timeline. Production has commenced in the United Kingdom, with the film slated for theatrical release on May 28, 2027.
Directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on major blockbuster franchises, Star Wars: Starfighter stars Ryan Gosling in the lead role, joined by Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams. Producing credits include Levy and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, with Gosling and others serving as executive producers. The screenplay was penned by Jonathan Tropper, who was recruited in 2024 following a delay caused by the 2023 Writers Guild strike.
The film is positioned as a standalone adventure exploring new facets of the Star Wars universe. According to Levy, the project represents a dream creative opportunity, tapping into the core of what makes Star Wars narrative resonate globally. He described it as both a personal and professional thrill to join such an enduring saga with a fresh and original story, crafted to bring new characters and cinematic moments to fans and newcomers alike.
Ryan Gosling commented on the script’s qualities during Star Wars Celebration Japan, highlighting its blend of heart, humor, and adventure, while director Levy expressed his enthusiasm publicly via social media as production began. The ensemble cast includes emerging and established actors, promising a dynamic representation consistent with the franchise’s tradition of evolving storytelling.
Set five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars: Starfighter aims to deepen the saga’s mythology with an original narrative that expands its rich galaxy far beyond previously charted territories. The film will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, underlining Disney’s continued investment in broadening the Star Wars cinematic universe through new creative voices.