The upcoming Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, aims to deliver a fresh story with new characters and settings when it premieres in theaters on May 28, 2027. The film, penned by screenwriter Jonathan Tropper and directed by Shawn Levy, wrapped up filming in December 2025 and is set to bring a distinct new chapter to the Star Wars saga.
Details About the Latest Star Wars Film
Jonathan Tropper, who wrote the screenplay for Starfighter, expressed enthusiasm during a January 15 interview at the premiere of his other movie, The Wrecking Crew. He highlighted the exciting direction taken by Shawn Levy’s direction and Ryan Gosling’s leading role.
“I would say, I think Shawn’s made a phenomenal movie,”
Tropper said.
“Gosling is amazing to watch and I’m super excited to just bring new characters and new worlds to the franchise. You know, we’re doing something totally new and that’s really exciting,”
he added.
The movie follows a series of recent Star Wars productions but stands out as the first original theatrical release since the sequel trilogy ended with 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. While The Mandalorian and its characters, including Grogu, made their way into theaters this year, those films were extensions of the streaming series. Starfighter offers a standalone story with the familiar Star Wars DNA fans expect, combined with an original adventure.
Behind the Story and Characters
At a Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo in April 2025, Ryan Gosling was announced as the star of Starfighter. Director Shawn Levy clarified that the movie is neither a prequel nor a sequel but promises an “adventure that’s all new.” Recent insights shared in a New York Times interview revealed that the story is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker and centers on the relationship between a father and son.

Levy has shared glimpses of the production process, including photos featuring Gosling and teenage actor Flynn Gray, taken on set near the coast of Italy. By mid-December 2025, Levy confirmed that filming had concluded.
Supporting Cast and Release Information
Alongside Ryan Gosling, Starfighter features a notable cast including Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, and Amy Adams, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The film is scheduled to debut in theaters on May 28, 2027, marking a significant new entry into the Star Wars cinematic universe.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Tropper’s latest work, The Wrecking Crew, is set to premiere on Prime Video on January 28, 2026, showcasing his range beyond the Star Wars franchise.
The Anticipated Impact of Star Wars: Starfighter
Starfighter is poised to reignite excitement for Star Wars films by presenting a fresh narrative that expands the universe while honoring its core elements. With Shawn Levy at the helm and Ryan Gosling leading the cast, the movie holds promise to attract both longtime fans and new audiences. Its release in 2027 will likely influence how future Star Wars stories are developed, potentially steering the franchise toward more standalone adventures and innovative storytelling.
