Summary
Highlights
A teaser for the Star Wars Starfighter movie, starring Ryan Gosling, has been released, with a target release date of May 2027. Production has just begun, and the teaser revealed the full cast and plot details. This film signifies a shift in Star Wars' strategy to prioritize theatrical releases, with The Mandalorian and Grogu movie also set for next spring.
The Starfighter movie is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, in the New Jedi Order era. Ryan Gosling's character is tasked with protecting a youngling, possibly his nephew, from pursuers played by Mia Goth and Matt Smith. Matt Smith was previously rumored to play a young Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker, a role that was cut, but he is now back as a different character.
Director Shawn Levy expressed excitement and honor in beginning production on Star Wars Starfighter, highlighting his lifelong connection to Star Wars. Ryan Gosling also joined the project due to his lifelong fandom, similar to Leonardo DiCaprio's enthusiasm for the franchise.
Kathleen Kennedy is expected to leave Lucasfilm soon, with Dave Filoni likely taking over the creative side. Jon Favreau may also take a larger creative oversight role. The Starfighter movie is a standalone adventure and not Episode 10, with Star Wars planning to continue with any successful film ideas.
The updated cast list confirms Ryan Gosling as a pilot protecting a child, with Amy Adams playing the child's mother. Matt Smith and Mia Goth are villains, and it's hoped they won't simply be a 'New Empire.' Aaron Pierre has also joined the cast, though his role (hero or villain) is unconfirmed.
The Starfighter movie is the next big release after The Mandalorian and Grogu, suggesting a one-movie-per-year strategy. The Mandalorian and Grogu movie is essentially a re-ordered version of Jon Favreau's Season 4 scripts, a move made due to financial shifts towards theatrical releases. Marvel also pulled back on TV show output for the same reason.
If the Mandalorian and Grogu movie is successful, more sequels are planned. The Thrawn crossover movie might become one of these sequels. Live-action TV shows will continue, but future plans after Ahsoka Season 2 are unannounced. Ahsoka Season 2 is expected to be the final season and feature more Hayden Christensen and live-action Clone Wars flashbacks.