Some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site.
First Look at Star Wars:Starfighter
The galaxy far, far away is preparing to venture into completely uncharted territory! During tonight’s Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23, director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling took the stage to unveil the very first details and footage from their highly anticipated feature, Star Wars: Starfighter.
A Brand-New Timeline and Galaxy
Unlike previous entries in the franchise, Star Wars: Starfighter is charting an entirely new path. Written by Jonathan Tropper, the film is set at the most future point in the official Star Wars timeline—five years after the events of Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker—and takes place in an all-new galaxy free from the long-standing Skywalker family plotlines.
The presentation revealed that Gosling plays Kade Auberon, a cynical rogue pilot bringing the cool, effortless swagger of his iconic Drive persona to the Star Wars universe.
Related-Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu Sets Summer Digital and Blu-ray Release Dates
The exclusive teaser footage kicks off on a lush, ocean-covered planet, where a young boy named Flynn (played by Flynn Gray) wanders into a rusty spaceship garage. Upon uncovering a mysterious craft, Gosling’s character interrupts him: “Didn’t I tell you not to touch anything?”
When the kid asks what it is, Kade reveals: “It’s a decommissioned G17—the fastest starfighter ever built.”
Classic Touches Meet Fresh Lore
While the story introduces a completely original roster of characters, the footage made sure to anchor itself in classic Star Wars iconography. Attendees were treated to shots of speeder bikes racing across swamps, ominous Imperial-style starships cutting through giant ocean typhoons, new droids, and even a subtle nod to the iconic swinging bridge from A New Hope.
The visual palette is shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda (Top Gun: Maverick, F1), bringing a grounding, tangible scale to the sci-fi adventure.
A Historic Release Date & High Stakes
Director Shawn Levy highlighted a poetic milestone during the presentation: Star Wars: Starfighter is officially slated for release on May 28, 2027—marking the exact 50th-anniversary weekend of the original 1977 Star Wars theatrical release.
“We didn’t even plan it that way, but I can’t imagine a bigger dream come true,” Levy shared on stage.
The stakes for Starfighter are undeniably high. Following the soft theatrical performance of The Mandalorian & Grogu earlier this summer, Lucasfilm is looking to Levy and Gosling to breathe fresh cinematic energy into the franchise. Given Levy’s blockbuster track record with Deadpool & Wolverine, expectations are sky-high for this fresh, standalone journey into the stars.
