Star Wars: Starfighter (2027) - Shawn Levy Film News

Ryan Gosling gave fans their first real look at Star Wars: Starfighter on Friday, unveiling initial footage from the upcoming film during a surprise presentation in Los Angeles. The actor, who leads the project as Kade Auberon, described the character as “a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy” who gets pulled into something far bigger than himself. Directed by Shawn Levy, the movie is set roughly five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and is slated to hit theaters on May 26, 2027.

The brief teaser, shown to a small gathering of press and industry insiders, opens with wide shots of a gritty, industrial spaceport - distinct from the gleaming worlds typically associated with the franchise’s core settings. Gosling’s Auberon appears in a worn flight jacket, nursing a ship that looks more salvaged than stolen, while a voiceover hints at a debt that “the whole galaxy expects you to pay.” Levy, known for Deadpool & Wolverine and Stranger Things, followed the footage with a few words, emphasizing that the story is not about chosen ones or royal bloodlines. “This is about someone who has to earn his place by doing the work, not by destiny,” the director said.

The film’s ensemble cast is considerable, with Gosling joined by Flynn Gray, Mia Goth, Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, and Jamael Westman. While plot details remain largely under wraps, the footage suggests a more grounded, smuggler-adjacent tone than recent saga entries. There are no Jedi in the opening glimpses, no lightsabers, and no mention of the Force. Instead, the focus falls on a chase sequence through an asteroid field, a tense negotiation in a dim cantina, and a close-up of Gosling’s character staring down a fleet of what appear to be Imperial remnant cruisers. The visual style, per the sizzle reel, leans toward practical sets and weathered textures, a departure from the polished digital sheen of the sequel trilogy.

Levy has been open about his approach to the project, positioning it as a standalone adventure rather than another chapter in the Skywalker saga. In a brief Q&A after the screening, he reiterated that the timeline - five years after The Rise of Skywalker - allows for creative freedom without being tethered to existing lore. “We’re not undoing anything,” he said. “We’re just looking at a corner of the galaxy that hasn’t had its story told yet.” The director also confirmed that the script, credited to a writers’ room assembled in 2024, went through several drafts before production began earlier this year.

Gosling, for his part, seemed energized by the change of pace. During the presentation, he joked that his character “doesn’t know what a droid is called” and has spent most of his life avoiding “anyone who looks like they’re in charge.” He described Auberon as a mechanic with a checkered past who gets caught smuggling something he doesn’t fully understand - a McGuffin that the footage teases but never fully reveals. “He’s not a hero. He’s just a guy who’s trying to get out from under a bad deal,” Gosling said. “The galaxy has other plans.”

The film’s release date, May 26, 2027, places it in the traditional Memorial Day corridor that has hosted numerous blockbusters. That date also marks the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film’s release in 1977, a coincidence that Lucasfilm has not officially commented on, though industry observers note it could signal a deliberate tribute. The movie is classified as science fiction, adventure, and action, with an unknown runtime at this stage. It currently holds no rating on aggregator platforms, as it has not been screened for critics.

The teaser did not include any footage of the supporting cast, though Levy hinted that post-production is underway and that a full trailer is planned for later this year. He also stressed that the movie is designed to be accessible to newcomers, even as it rewards longtime fans with subtle nods. “If you’ve never seen another Star Wars movie, you’ll still know exactly who this guy is,” Levy said. “If you have, you’ll recognize the weight of that world pressing down on him.”

Gosling’s casting was first announced in early 2025, generating immediate buzz given his established range from Drive to Barbie. He plays opposite a roster that includes established names like Amy Adams and rising stars like Aaron Pierre, suggesting a mix that Levy has described as “a found family that isn’t sure they like each other yet.” The footage closed with a single title card - STARFIGHTER - in the classic golden font, then a quick shot of Gosling’s character grinning as his ship sputters to life.

No further screenings are scheduled, and Lucasfilm has declined to comment on the footage’s public release. But the early response among attendees was largely positive, with particular praise for the practical effects and the tonal shift away from galactic politics. As one journalist noted, “It looks less like an empire at war and more like a getaway gone wrong.” For now, fans will have to wait for the promised full trailer, but Friday’s preview made one thing clear: the galaxy far, far away is about to get a lot more blue-collar.

Source: Hollywood Reporter