Lucasfilm has officially unveiled *Star Wars: Starfighter*, an exciting new addition to the iconic franchise. The film will be directed by Shawn Levy, known for *Deadpool & Wolverine*, and will star Ryan Gosling in a lead role. Slated for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027, the movie is set five years after the events of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*, promising fans a fresh chapter in the ever-expanding galaxy far, far away.
The announcement was made at Star Wars Celebration, where it was also confirmed that production will kick off this fall. While details about the plot remain scarce, it’s known that Gosling will portray a brand-new character, adding further depth to the Star Wars universe. This news gives fans a solid date to mark on their calendars—especially those planning their Memorial Day weekend around a major Star Wars event.
In a touching behind-the-scenes moment, Ryan Gosling shared how his lifelong connection to Star Wars deepened when he landed the role. He revealed that his mother sent him a nostalgic photo of his childhood Star Wars bedsheets—a sweet reminder of his early fandom and passion for the saga.
Star Wars: Starfighter joins a growing lineup of upcoming films, including *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, projects from acclaimed directors Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, James Mangold, and Taika Waititi, as well as a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg. This marks the beginning of an ambitious new era for Star Wars storytelling on the big screen.
Fans might also recognize the name *Starfighter*—it originally belonged to a beloved video game released back in 2001, which allowed players to pilot iconic ships like the X-wing and A-wing. Whether this new film will pay homage to that legacy remains to be seen.
For more updates, be sure to follow all the latest announcements from Star Wars Celebration, including exclusive footage reveals from *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, and news that filming for *Ahsoka Season 2* is set to begin soon.