The upcoming Ryan Gosling-led Star Wars installment is generating significant buzz within the franchise community. During a special Star Wars event held in Tokyo this past April, directors Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling took the stage to officially announce the title of their new project: Star Wars: Starfighter.
Levy offered a glimpse into the film’s direction, hinting, “There are numerous rumors circulating-some accurate, others not. This film isn’t a prequel or a sequel; it’s a completely new chapter.”
His comments align with earlier reports suggesting that Star Wars: Starfighter is set five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The narrative is said to unfold outside the established Skywalker saga timeline. Gosling described the story as “an expansive saga featuring new and compelling characters” during the Tokyo reveal. “There’s no filmmaker more suited to bring this story to life than Shawn,” he added.
Scheduled for release on May 28, 2027, this standalone Star Wars film is highly anticipated. While the date might seem distant, it holds considerable importance for fans eager for new content. The franchise has faced setbacks recently, with projects by notable directors like David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Taika Waititi, and Patty Jenkins falling into development limbo over the past few years. Hopefully, Levy and Gosling’s collaboration will reinvigorate the series, with filming set to commence this fall.
Decoding the Plot of Star Wars: Starfighter
At this stage, it remains uncertain whether the new film will have any direct ties to the 2001 video game of the same name. Originally released as a space combat game for PlayStation 2, Starfighter follows the story of Rhys Dallows, a pilot in the Naboo Royal Fighter Corps, who embarks on a mission just prior to the Battle of Naboo depicted in The Phantom Menace (1999).
Levy and Gosling have both described the film as a standalone story that fits into the current timeline of the franchise. While specific plot details are scarce, it’s plausible that elements from the original game’s universe will influence the movie’s narrative and visual design.
Casting Rumors and Gosling’s Role in Star Wars: Starfighter
Gosling’s character remains under wraps, but speculation about his role has persisted for years. The actor’s name first surfaced in connection with a Star Wars project back in 2012, when rumors suggested he might portray a young Han Solo or the son of Luke Skywalker. An infamous 2013 GQ feature even depicted a photoshopped image of Gosling wielding a lightsaber, dressed as Anakin Skywalker, highlighting the early internet buzz surrounding his potential involvement.
Despite these early rumors, Gosling’s participation in the franchise remained unconfirmed. Around 2013, he announced a break from acting, coinciding with the announcement of Episode VII. Later, a representative clarified that the rumors of his casting were “not definitive,” and Gosling went on to portray a different iconic character in Blade Runner 2049.
Today, Gosling’s potential role continues to be a topic of speculation. Director Shawn Levy has expressed interest in creating a story that feels authentic and distinct, emphasizing that he’s not interested in revisiting familiar characters or retreading the same storylines. “There’s only so many times Star Wars can revisit the same period,” Levy stated in an August interview. “I want to craft something that’s fresh, meaningful, and true to the spirit of the franchise.”
Levy further explained, “My goal is to develop a story that resonates on a personal level, emphasizing themes of hope, heroism, and the larger connection to the universe. That’s what Star Wars is all about-combining visual spectacle with emotional depth and a sense of wonder.”
Additional Cast and Characters
Gosling isn’t the only star set to join the galaxy far, far away. On June 6, industry insider Jeff Sneider reported via his InSneider newsletter that Mia Goth, known for her roles in A24’s X trilogy, has been cast as a villain in the film. Goth secured her role after Mikey Madison, who was initially considered, decided to pass on the project.
As with Gosling, the specifics of Goth’s character remain under wraps, but her inclusion signals a fresh direction for the franchise, exploring new characters and storylines that have yet to be seen in the existing Star Wars universe.
