The galaxy far, far away is expanding once again. Lucasfilm officially announced that Ryan Gosling will headline Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and slated for release on May 28, 2027. The news came alongside a star-studded cast reveal, confirming that Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams will join Gosling in the highly anticipated film.
Production is already underway in the UK, with Lucasfilm sharing a first-look image of Gosling and newcomer Flynn Gray leaning casually against what appears to be a landspeeder. Levy, clearly thrilled by the opportunity, shared on StarWars.com:
“From the day Kathy Kennedy called me up, inviting me to develop an original adventure in this incredible Star Wars galaxy, this experience has been a dream come true, creatively and personally. Star Wars shaped my sense of what story can do, how characters and cinematic moments can live with us forever.”
A Star-Studded Cast with Varied Backgrounds
The ensemble is impressive, pulling from different corners of Hollywood. Ryan Gosling hardly needs an introduction — from his breakout in The Notebook to his acclaimed work in La La Land and his blockbuster turn in Barbie, Gosling has proven his ability to move seamlessly between genres.
Amy Adams, joining the cast as one of Hollywood’s most decorated talents, brings six Oscar nominations and standout roles in films like Arrival and American Hustle. Her inclusion marks another major dramatic heavyweight stepping into the galaxy.
Mia Goth has developed a reputation as one of the most exciting faces in modern horror, thanks to films like X, Pearl, and last year’s hit MaXXXine. Her eerie intensity could make her a fascinating addition to the Star Wars mythos.
Matt Smith, known worldwide for Doctor Who and The Crown, reportedly plays the film’s villain! This is a role many fans are eager to see him sink his teeth into after previously being rumored for The Rise of Skywalker.
Other notable names include Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad, Old), Jamael Westman (best known for originating the role of Alexander Hamilton in the West End production of Hamilton), Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners), Daniel Ings (Sex Education), and rising talent Flynn Gray.
A Galaxy-Wide Conversation on Representation
While the casting has drawn excitement, some fans have pointed out that the announced lineup still feels lacking in diversity. With Aaron Pierre and Jamael Westman as the only confirmed actors of color so far, the ensemble skews heavily white. Given the success of more inclusive Star Wars projects, from Andor’s richly layered performances to The Mandalorian’s diverse cast, many are hopeful that Starfighter will add further depth and representation through supporting roles yet to be announced.
The galaxy is vast, after all, and the Star Wars universe is strongest when it reflects a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and voices.
Breaking Away from the Skywalker Saga
One of the most exciting aspects of Starfighter is that it marks a deliberate step away from the Skywalker saga. Set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, the film will explore new territory in a post-Empire, post-First Order galaxy. This gives Levy and his team the freedom to build fresh characters, conflicts, and starfighter battles without being tethered to the Skywalker legacy.
It’s an opportunity for a move that could mirror the success of Andor, which proved that audiences are deeply invested in stories outside the main Jedi bloodline. Tony Gilroy’s grounded, political drama became one of the most critically acclaimed Star Wars projects to date, precisely because it broadened the scope of what storytelling in this universe could look like. If Starfighter follows a similar path, balancing spectacle with compelling new characters, it could become another milestone in the franchise’s evolution.
The Thrill of What’s Ahead
As Levy put it, joining the “storytelling galaxy with such brilliant collaborators” is the thrill of a lifetime. That excitement extends to fans, who now eagerly wait to see what Starfighter will bring to the screen. Between Gosling’s star power, Adams’ dramatic gravitas, and the intriguing mix of established and rising actors, the film promises to feel both epic and fresh.
The countdown to 2027 has officially begun. Whether this new adventure leans more toward high-flying dogfights, character-driven drama, or (hopefully) both, one thing is clear: the Force continues to flow strongest when Star Wars dares to branch out.