Lucasfilm announces Star Wars Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling

At the ongoing Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan, Lucasfilm made a major announcement that has stirred excitement across the galaxy. Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, alongside Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni, revealed the studio’s next big theatrical venture - Star Wars: Starfighter. The upcoming film is slated to release two years later, marking the franchise’s return to the big screen after an extended hiatus.

Directed by Shawn Levy and headlined by Ryan Gosling, Star Wars: Starfighter will be a standalone film set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The film promises a fresh chapter in the Star Wars universe, introducing completely new characters and exploring a previously unseen era in the timeline.

While plot details are currently under wraps, Lucasfilm confirmed that the story will unfold in an unexplored period, untethered from the Skywalker saga. This approach marks a significant shift in the studio’s storytelling direction and offers filmmakers creative freedom to shape a new narrative landscape. Production is expected to begin in Fall 2025.

Director Shawn Levy, known for his work on high-profile projects like Deadpool & Wolverine, The Adam Project, and Netflix’s Stranger Things, is set to bring his signature blend of heart and spectacle to the Star Wars galaxy. His ability to craft compelling character-driven stories within blockbuster settings positions him as a strong fit for expanding the franchise in a new direction.

Leading the cast is Ryan Gosling, who brings star power and dramatic range to the project. Gosling’s performance in Barbie (2024) earned him both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, adding to an acclaimed filmography that includes La La Land, The Notebook, Drive, and Blade Runner 2049. His casting signals Lucasfilm’s intent to blend mainstream appeal with layered storytelling in this new cinematic outing.

With Star Wars: Starfighter, Lucasfilm looks to chart bold new territory in the galaxy far, far away. As anticipation builds, fans can expect more details and behind-the-scenes looks to be revealed in the months leading up to production. The Force is set to return to theatres in spectacular fashion exclusively in theatres on May 28, 2027.

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