The biggest news to emerge from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was the announcement that Shawn Levy, known for directing Deadpool & Wolverine, will helm "Star Wars: Starfighter," a standalone live-action film featuring Ryan Gosling. Scheduled to follow 2026's "The Mandalorian and Grogu," "Starfighter" will begin production this fall, aiming for a release on May 28, 2027. While details about the plot remain scarce, we do know that the film is set five years after the events of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," marking it as the furthest point in the Star Wars timeline explored in any movie or series to date.
This period of Star Wars lore remains largely unexplored, but we can draw inferences from the conclusion of "The Rise of Skywalker" and the pre-Disney Legends universe. Let's delve into the significant questions left unanswered by "The Rise of Skywalker" and how "Starfighter" might address them.
Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show
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The Star Wars: Starfighter Games
It's worth noting that "Star Wars: Starfighter" shares its title with a series of games from the PS2/Xbox era. The original "Star Wars: Starfighter" was released in 2001, followed by "Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter" in 2002. Although the new film shares the name, it is unlikely to draw heavily from the plots of these games, given its setting decades later. The original game is set during Episode I, focusing on pilots during the Battle of Naboo, while "Jedi Starfighter" occurs during Episode II, spotlighting Jedi Master Adi Gallia and pirate Nym. However, the movie might take inspiration from "Jedi Starfighter's" ship-to-ship combat, particularly the use of Force powers like shields, lightning, and shockwaves. Could Gosling's character be a Jedi pilot? This could add an exciting twist to the film's action sequences.
The Fate of the New Republic
"The Rise of Skywalker" concludes with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal, but leaves the fate of the New Republic ambiguous. After the destruction of Hosnian Prime by the First Order's Starkiller Base in "The Force Awakens," the New Republic's leadership was decimated. Subsequent Star Wars projects have focused on the conflict between Leia's Resistance and the First Order, leaving the state of the New Republic unclear. In the time of "Starfighter," the New Republic might still exist, albeit weakened, as depicted in the novel "Star Wars: Bloodline," which showcases the internal conflict between Populists and Centrists. Additionally, remnants of the First Order may linger, rallying around a new leader after Kylo Ren's demise. The galaxy likely faces a power struggle, providing fertile ground for epic space battles. Piracy, as seen in "The Mandalorian" and "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," remains a significant issue, exacerbating the chaos. Gosling could portray a New Republic pilot striving to restore order, potentially filling the void left by Patty Jenkins' "Rogue Squadron" movie. Alternatively, he might be a local defender or an ex-First Order trooper akin to Finn.
As a standalone film, "Starfighter" is unlikely to establish a new overarching conflict but rather explore the aftermath of "The Rise of Skywalker," focusing on a villain exploiting the galaxy's power vacuum.
Rebuilding the Jedi Order
Luke Skywalker's initial efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order were promising, as shown in "The Book of Boba Fett" and various books and comics. However, Ben Solo's betrayal and the destruction of Luke's temple led to Luke's retreat to Ahch-To. While many Jedi perished, it's plausible that some survived, similar to those who escaped Order 66. The status of Ahsoka Tano, whose voice is heard among the Force ghosts in "The Rise of Skywalker," remains uncertain, as Dave Filoni has suggested she may still be alive. Rey Skywalker's mission to rebuild the Jedi Order is the focus of the upcoming "New Jedi Order" movie, set 15 years after "The Rise of Skywalker," a decade after "Starfighter." Whether "Starfighter" will address the Jedi's current state depends on Gosling's character's Force sensitivity. If he is Force-sensitive, Rey might appear to mentor him; otherwise, the film could focus on non-Jedi heroes, akin to "Rogue One" and "Solo: A Star Wars Story."
Are the Sith Still Around?
Following Palpatine's definitive demise in "The Rise of Skywalker," the question of the Sith's continued presence in the galaxy persists. The Star Wars Legends universe suggests that the Sith could resurface, as seen with Darth Krayt in "Star Wars: Legacy." The Rule of Two, emphasized in the Prequels, was challenged by the existence of other Dark Side entities like the Nightsisters and Maul in "The Clone Wars." It's conceivable that new Dark Side users might emerge in the power vacuum left by Palpatine. Whether "Starfighter" will explore this remains to be seen, potentially depending on the film's focus on Jedi or non-Jedi characters.
Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?
"Star Wars: Starfighter" introduces a new lead with Ryan Gosling, set in an unexplored period, and is a standalone film. However, Star Wars is known for its cameos and callbacks. Poe Dameron, the galaxy's top pilot post-Han Solo, could appear to assist in rebuilding the New Republic. Chewbacca's role post-"The Rise of Skywalker" is unclear, but a scenario where Gosling's character pilots the Millennium Falcon with him is enticing. Finn, a potential leader for former First Order troopers, might return if the film involves First Order remnants. Rey's appearance could hinge on Gosling's character being a Jedi, aligning with her mission to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Which surviving character from "The Rise of Skywalker" would you most like to see in "Star Wars: Starfighter"? Let us know in the comments below.
