The highly anticipated Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. The film represents a fresh chapter in the Star Wars saga, promising to introduce new characters and worlds while delivering a unique story separate from previous sequels.
Inside the Making of Starfighter
Jonathan Tropper, the screenwriter for Starfighter, spoke about the project at the premiere of his other film, The Wrecking Crew, on January 15. He revealed that filming wrapped at the end of December, with Ryan Gosling leading the cast and Shawn Levy, known for directing Deadpool and Wolverine, at the helm. Tropper described the collaboration with enthusiasm, stating,
“I would say, I think Shawn’s made a phenomenal movie,”
adding,
“Gosling is amazing to watch and I’m super excited to just bring new characters and new worlds to the franchise. You know, we’re doing something totally new and that’s really exciting.”
– Jonathan Tropper, Screenwriter
The Story and Setting of Starfighter
Details about the plot remain largely under wraps, but it is known that Starfighter is a standalone story. Ryan Gosling was introduced as the lead during a Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo in April 2025. Shawn Levy emphasized that the movie is neither a prequel nor a sequel, explaining it
“just gives us the Star Wars DNA that we love but with an adventure that’s all new.”
– Shawn Levy, Director
According to a New York Times interview with Levy, the film’s narrative takes place five years after the events of 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker and centers on a father-and-son relationship. This focus suggests a character-driven story that may explore new emotional depths within the Star Wars universe. Filming took place partly off the coast of Italy, where Levy posted photos featuring Gosling alongside teen actor Flynn Gray, one of the young cast members.
Cast and Anticipated Release
Starfighter also stars Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, and Amy Adams, assembling a diverse and talented ensemble. As the first original Star Wars theatrical release since the sequel trilogy concluded, and following the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and its character Grogu, this film will carry significant expectations. Its release will mark a pivotal moment for Star Wars fans eager to see new directions beyond the established saga.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Tropper’s other recent work, The Wrecking Crew, begins streaming on Prime Video January 28, illustrating his active role in storytelling across different genres.
Why Starfighter Matters for the Star Wars Franchise
This movie carries the potential to reinvigorate the Star Wars cinematic universe by introducing fresh narratives and appealing characters beyond the familiar storyline arcs. The involvement of Ryan Gosling, Jonathan Tropper, and Shawn Levy suggests a creative team eager to balance the franchise’s iconic elements with new and bold storytelling risks. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for what may become a defining new adventure in the galaxy far, far away.
