The most thrilling announcement from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was the unveiling of Deadpool & Wolverine's Shawn Levy as the director of Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone live-action film featuring Ryan Gosling. Set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, following the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026, Starfighter promises to be a captivating addition to the Star Wars universe. Production is slated to begin this fall, and the film will be positioned five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, marking it as the furthest point yet explored in the Star Wars timeline.
While plot details remain scarce, the setting of Starfighter in this uncharted period invites speculation about the state of the galaxy post-The Rise of Skywalker. The conclusion of the sequel trilogy leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the fate of the New Republic and the lingering presence of the First Order. As we delve into these uncertainties, let's explore how Starfighter might address them.
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The Star Wars: Starfighter Games
It's worth noting that Star Wars: Starfighter shares its name with a series of video games from the PS2 and Xbox era. The original Star Wars: Starfighter (2001) and its sequel Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter (2002) were set during the prequel era, focusing on different pilots and conflicts. Given the significant time gap, it's unlikely that the new film will borrow directly from these games' storylines. However, the concept of ship-to-ship combat, especially with the integration of Force powers as seen in Jedi Starfighter, could inspire thrilling action sequences in the movie. If Ryan Gosling's character is both a Jedi and a skilled pilot, we might see innovative battle scenes that set Starfighter apart.
The Fate of the New Republic
While The Rise of Skywalker ends with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine, it offers little insight into the galaxy's state afterward. The New Republic's fate after the destruction of Hosnian Prime by the First Order's Starkiller Base remains ambiguous. The ongoing conflict between Populists and Centrists, as depicted in Star Wars: Bloodline, may continue to hinder the Republic's efforts to rebuild. Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still pose a threat, suggesting a galaxy in flux, ripe for epic space battles. Starfighter could explore this power struggle, with Gosling's character possibly fighting as a New Republic pilot to restore order or as a local defender in a world struggling without Republic support. This narrative could serve as a thematic successor to Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron, albeit with a fresh perspective.
Rebuilding the Jedi Order
Luke Skywalker's initial attempt to rebuild the Jedi Order ended tragically with Ben Solo's turn to the dark side and the destruction of the Jedi Temple. While many Jedi were lost, it's conceivable that some survived, much like after Order 66. The presence of Ahsoka Tano, whose voice is heard among the Force ghosts in The Rise of Skywalker, adds complexity to the Jedi's current state. Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker is set to continue Luke's legacy in the upcoming New Jedi Order movie, but that is set a decade after Starfighter. Whether Starfighter will address the Jedi's status might hinge on whether Gosling's character is Force-sensitive. If so, we might see a cameo from Rey, linking the film to the broader Jedi narrative.
Are the Sith Still Around?
With Palpatine's final demise in The Rise of Skywalker, the question remains whether the Sith still linger in the galaxy. The Star Wars Legends universe suggests that the Sith could persist even after Palpatine, with new dark side threats emerging. The film might explore whether there are surviving members of the Knights of Ren or other dark side practitioners filling the power vacuum left by Palpatine. However, if Starfighter focuses on non-Jedi characters, it may not delve into this aspect, leaving it for future projects like the New Jedi Order movie or Simon Kinberg's Star Wars trilogy.
Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?
Star Wars: Starfighter introduces a new lead but, given the franchise's penchant for cameos, familiar faces from the sequel trilogy might appear. Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron, the galaxy's top pilot, could lend his expertise to Gosling's character in rebuilding efforts. Chewbacca, now potentially without Rey, might also return, perhaps even co-piloting the Millennium Falcon with the new protagonist. John Boyega's Finn, having become a symbol for defecting stormtroopers, could play a role if the film involves remnants of the First Order. Rey's inclusion might depend on the Force-sensitivity of Gosling's character. While Starfighter is a standalone story, these connections could enrich the narrative and satisfy fans' desire to see beloved characters again.
For more on the future of the Star Wars franchise, discover why Lucasfilm needs to stop announcing movies and just make them, and stay updated on every Star Wars movie and series in development.
