Scheduled to release in May 2027, Starfighter will be set five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker (2019), which marked the end of the Skywalker saga with the death of Emperor Palpatine. While that film wrapped up the overarching storyline that began with A New Hope in 1977, Starfighter is taking a fresh approach, introducing all-new characters and venturing into a timeline that has never been depicted on screen before.

According to Lucasfilm, this upcoming chapter is set in a period of the Star Wars galaxy that remains unexplored in both the films and Disney+ series. Although this era may be familiar to diehard fans through old, non-canon books and video games, it’s the first time it will be brought to life visually for a mainstream audience. The film is expected to stand completely on its own, unburdened by the legacy of Jedi, Sith, or Skywalkers, a creative reset for the franchise.

Directing the film is Shawn Levy, whose resume includes the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and multiple episodes of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Known for his ability to blend action, heart, and humor, Levy seems like a fitting choice to guide the Star Wars saga into uncharted territory.

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Production on Starfighter is set to begin this fall. While casting is still underway, the potential involvement of Gosling, one of Hollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars, has already sparked major excitement among fans. If confirmed, this would mark Gosling’s first entry into a major sci-fi franchise, adding a new dimension to his already diverse filmography.

Star Wars: Starfighter aims to revitalize the beloved franchise with fresh energy and storytelling, appealing to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. With a blank slate, a visionary director, and the possible star power of Gosling, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2027.