Disney and Lucasfilm have officially announced Star Wars: Starfighter, a new standalone feature film directed by Shawn Levy, scheduled for theatrical release on May 28, 2027. Starring Ryan Gosling as a character named Kade Auberon, the production aims to explore a previously unseen period in the Star Wars timeline.
Ryan Gosling Joins the Star Wars Galaxy
During the Disney Studio Showcase at D23, Ryan Gosling confirmed his role as Kade Auberon, a character described by the actor as a "guy from the wrong side of the galaxy." Gosling, who previously participated in the Mickey Mouse Club, noted his history with Disney during the event. According to the studio, the film’s narrative follows Auberon as he confronts a mysterious past that forces him into an adventure linked to the "fastest starfighter ever built."
The casting for Star Wars: Starfighter includes Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams. Production is slated to begin this autumn in the United Kingdom, as reported by magazin.aktualne.cz.
Shawn Levy’s Vision for the Standalone Adventure
Director Shawn Levy, known for Stranger Things, stated that the film is rooted in the "hope, family, and adventure" themes synonymous with the franchise. Levy, who is producing alongside Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, cited American car culture and George Lucas’s American Graffiti as primary influences for the project.
The script is written by Jonathan Tropper. While the studio has kept specific plot details largely under wraps, reports from magazin.aktualne.cz indicate the story is set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, a period where the galaxy is navigating a power vacuum following the collapse of the First Order.
Expanding the Star Wars Cinematic Universe
The studio is currently developing several distinct projects, including The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau and set for release on May 22, 2026.
Other projects in development include a film focused on the origins of the Jedi, titled Dawn of the Jedi, to be directed by James Mangold, and a separate feature centered on Rey, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, which explores the reconstruction of the Jedi Order roughly 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
Did you know?
Director Shawn Levy said he is honored to release the film on the same weekend that the original film opened 50 years earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Star Wars: Starfighter be released?
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027.
Is Star Wars: Starfighter based on a video game?
No. While the title may refer to a known term from the Star Wars video game world, magazin.aktualne.cz reports it is not a direct adaptation of any existing game.
Who is directing the film?
Shawn Levy is directing the project, with a screenplay written by Jonathan Tropper.
Where can I find updates on future Star Wars projects?
Stay tuned to official Lucasfilm announcements and follow our newsletter for the latest updates on the Star Wars slate.
What are your thoughts on this new direction for the franchise? Share your predictions for Kade Auberon’s journey in the comments below.
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