The biggest news from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Shawn Levy, the director behind *Deadpool & Wolverine*, is set to helm *Star Wars: Starfighter*, a new standalone live-action film featuring Ryan Gosling. Scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, following *The Mandalorian and Grogu* in 2026, *Starfighter* promises to be a thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga. Set approximately five years after the events of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*, this film will explore a period further along the Star Wars timeline than any previous movie or series.
While details about the plot remain scarce, the setting itself opens up a wealth of possibilities. The era following *The Rise of Skywalker* is relatively uncharted territory in Star Wars lore, leaving fans eager to see how the galaxy has evolved. Let's delve into the key questions and potential storylines that *Starfighter* might address.
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 name with a series of games from the early 2000s. The original *Star Wars: Starfighter* was released in 2001, followed by *Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter* in 2002. These games, set during the prequel era, focused on different pilots and their adventures. While the new film shares the name, it's unlikely to borrow heavily from the games' plots, given its setting decades later. However, the film could draw inspiration from *Jedi Starfighter*'s innovative use of Force powers in ship-to-ship combat, potentially featuring Gosling's character as a Jedi pilot.
The Fate of the New Republic
*The Rise of Skywalker* concluded with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal, but left the state of the galaxy ambiguous. The New Republic, severely weakened after the destruction of Hosnian Prime by the First Order's Starkiller Base, faces an uncertain future. The internal conflict between Populists and Centrists, as detailed in *Star Wars: Bloodline*, may continue to hinder its recovery. Additionally, remnants of the First Order could still pose a threat, much like the Imperial Remnant did after the Empire's fall. *Starfighter* could explore these power struggles, with Gosling's character possibly playing a role in restoring order, perhaps as a New Republic pilot or a local defender.
Rebuilding the Jedi Order
Luke Skywalker's attempt to rebuild the Jedi Order was tragically cut short by Ben Solo's turn to the dark side. While many Jedi were killed, it's plausible that some survived, much like after Order 66. The current state of the Jedi remains a mystery, with Ahsoka Tano's status particularly intriguing. Rey Skywalker's mission to revive the Jedi Order, set to be explored in a future film, occurs a decade after *Starfighter*. Whether *Starfighter* will touch on the Jedi's current state may depend on Gosling's character's connection to the Force.
Are the Sith Still Around?
With Palpatine's definitive demise in *The Rise of Skywalker*, the question of the Sith's survival looms large. The Star Wars Legends universe suggests that the Sith could persist beyond Palpatine, with new dark side users emerging. *Starfighter* might introduce a new villain exploiting the power vacuum left by Palpatine's death, though this would likely depend on the film's focus on the Force and its users.
Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?
As a standalone film, *Starfighter* may not feature many familiar faces, but Star Wars is known for its cameos. Poe Dameron, the galaxy's top pilot, could play a role in the New Republic's efforts to rebuild. Chewbacca's current activities, possibly still alongside Rey, could also intersect with the film's plot. Finn, with his connection to former Stormtroopers, might return if the story involves First Order remnants. Rey's appearance would hinge on whether Gosling's character is Force-sensitive. While *Starfighter* is set to explore new territory, the potential for beloved characters to make an appearance adds an exciting layer of anticipation.
