- Production Launch: Principal photography kicked off on August 28, 2025, in the United Kingdom, marking the official start of the film’s production. WikipediaEW.com
- First Visual Glimpse: Lucasfilm dropped a dramatic black-and-white image of Ryan Gosling seated on a vehicle alongside costar Flynn Gray, offering a tantalizing early peek at the on-set atmosphere. The VergeDecider
A Galaxy of New Faces: The Cast Lineup
Lucasfilm has assembled a stellar ensemble to accompany Gosling:
- Flynn Gray (seen in the first-look image)
- Mia Goth (rumored to be one of the antagonists pursuing Gray’s character) DeciderIMDbEW.com
- Amy Adams, possibly portraying Gray’s mother, reuniting with Levy after Arrival Decider
- Aaron Pierre, known for his upcoming sci-fi roles Decider
- Matt Smith, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings EW.comWikipedia
Story and Creative Vision
- A Fresh Adventure: Star Wars: Starfighter will be a standalone story—not a sequel or prequel—set approximately five years after The Rise of Skywalker. EW.comWikipediaDecider
- Behind the Story: Written by Jonathan Tropper (known for collaborations with Shawn Levy) and directed by Shawn Levy, best known for Deadpool & Wolverine. Production is co-led by Levy and Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy. Ryan Gosling also serves as an executive producer. EW.comDeciderWikipedia
Release Date on the Horizon
- Premiere Set: The film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on May 28, 2027, aligning with the Memorial Day weekend for maximum impact. EW.comDeciderPeople.com9metersWikipedia
In Their Words: Director’s Vision
Shawn Levy expressed profound enthusiasm at the announcement:
“I feel a profound sense of excitement and honor as we begin production on ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’… ‘Star Wars’ shaped my sense of what story can do, how characters and cinematic moments can live with us forever.” DeciderThe Verge
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Star Wars: Starfighter |
| Director | Shawn Levy |
| Writer | Jonathan Tropper |
| Lead Actor (and EP) | Ryan Gosling |
| Supporting Cast | Flynn Gray, Mia Goth, Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre, Matt Smith, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings |
| Production Start | August 28, 2025 (UK) |
| Setting | ~5 years post-Rise of Skywalker; standalone |
| Release Date | May 28, 2027 |
What This Means for Star Wars Fans
This new film signals Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding the Star Wars universe with daring, character-driven tales beyond the Skywalker legacy. With a high-profile cast, a visionary director, and a brand-new timeline, Starfighter is poised to captivate audiences with fresh stories, unexplored worlds, and the classic sense of wonder that defines the galaxy far, far away.