Star Wars: Starfighter has officially kicked off its production in the United Kingdom, marking the start of a thrilling new chapter in the celebrated sci-fi saga.
The project is directed by Shawn Levy, known for his blockbuster hits including Deadpool & Wolverine, and features an A-list cast led by Ryan Gosling. The film is generating immense excitement as it is set to expand the Star Wars universe with fresh stories and new characters.
Production beginning in the UK signals that the highly anticipated movie is moving steadily towards its scheduled release day in May 2027.
A Star-Studded Cast with Fresh Faces
The cast of Star Wars: Starfighter brings together a talented mix of established stars and rising actors. Ryan Gosling takes the lead role, supported by newcomers like Flynn Gray, who plays Gosling’s character’s nephew. The ensemble also includes Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams, cast as the mother of Gray’s character.
Adding further depth and excitement are Matt Smith and Mia Goth, cast as the film’s antagonists. This diverse and compelling cast promises to bring new energy to the Star Wars franchise, with creatively rich characters that step away from the Skywalker family storylines.
Director Shawn Levy’s Vision for Starfighter
Director Shawn Levy has expressed his deep passion and enthusiasm for this Star Wars project. Levy described the opportunity to direct Starfighter as “a dream come true,” emphasizing how much the Star Wars saga shaped his understanding of storytelling and cinematic magic.
He spoke about the creative privilege and personal excitement of diving into an original Star Wars adventure, collaborating with a brilliant cast and crew to craft a story that will resonate for years to come.
A Standalone Story Set After The Rise of Skywalker
Unlike previous Star Wars films centered on the Skywalker saga, Starfighter tells an entirely original story set five years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The film explores a period of the Star Wars timeline never before seen on the big screen.
Written by Jonathan Tropper, the screenplay follows Ryan Gosling’s character on a high-stakes mission to protect his young nephew while facing new threats in an expansive galaxy. This fresh storyline marks a bold step away from the past, opening the door for new mythology and unexpected alliances that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.
Early Insights from the Set
Insight into the film’s dynamics is growing as filming progresses. Early photos from the set have featured Gosling and Flynn Gray alongside iconic Star Wars vehicles like the landspeeder, igniting speculation about the movie’s melding of classic elements with fresh narratives.
Amy Adams’s role as Gray’s character’s mother adds a grounded, emotional layer to the story. Meanwhile, the presence of villains played by Matt Smith and Mia Goth hints at intense conflicts and a new style of Star Wars challenges on the horizon.
Reviving Theatrical Star Wars
Star Wars: Starfighter’s production is a significant moment for the franchise, especially since the last film release was nearly six years ago. After a period of uncertainty and several canceled Star Wars film projects, this new movie represents Lucasfilm’s commitment to revitalize the franchise’s presence in theaters.
With Starfighter, fans can expect an original cinematic experience unburdened by previous trilogy legacies but firmly set within the beloved galactic universe.
The film is slated for a wide release on May 28, 2027, promising a spectacular return for Star Wars to the big screen.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Crew
The production of Starfighter is backed by some of the industry’s top talents. Alongside Shawn Levy directing, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is producing.
The cinematography is handled by Claudio Miranda, renowned for his visually stunning work that will enhance the movie’s immersive space opera feel. Executive producers include Ryan Gosling and producers Dan Levine, Mary McLaglen, and Josh McLaglen.
This high-caliber team shows the studio’s commitment to quality and creativity, aiming to deliver an unforgettable addition to the Star Wars canon.
What Lies Ahead for Star Wars Fans
Star Wars: Starfighter is poised not only to satisfy longtime fans but also to attract new audiences with its fresh take and standalone narrative. The film promises to blend thrilling action, rich character development, and the wonder of the Star Wars universe into a compelling cinematic journey.
As filming continues and more details emerge, anticipation is building for what could be a milestone moment in the franchise’s evolution.
May 28, 2027, can’t come soon enough for Star Wars enthusiasts eager to embark on this brand-new galactic adventure.
