The biggest news from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was the announcement that Shawn Levy, known for directing *Deadpool & Wolverine*, is helming *Star Wars: Starfighter*, a new standalone live-action film starring Ryan Gosling. Set 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. While production is slated to start this fall, plot details remain scarce, with the only confirmed detail being its setting—five years post-*The Rise of Skywalker*, making it the furthest point in the Star Wars timeline explored on screen to date.
This era of Star Wars lore remains largely uncharted. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the ending of *The Rise of Skywalker* and the pre-Disney Legends universe. Let's delve into the key questions lingering from *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
Star Wars: Starfighter shares its name with a series of games from the early 2000s, including the original Star Wars: Starfighter (2001) and its sequel Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter (2002). These games, set during the prequel era, focused on different pilots and introduced unique gameplay mechanics, such as Force powers in Jedi Starfighter. While the new film may share the name, it's unlikely to borrow heavily from the games' plots due to its much later timeline. However, incorporating elements like ship-to-ship combat enhanced by Force abilities could be a thrilling way to elevate the movie's action sequences, especially if Gosling's character is both a Jedi and a skilled pilot.
The Fate of the New Republic
The Rise of Skywalker concludes with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal, but leaves the state of the galaxy post-Battle of Exegol ambiguous. The New Republic, severely weakened by the First Order's attack on Hosnian Prime in The Force Awakens, faces an uncertain future. The internal conflict between Populists and Centrists, as seen in Star Wars: Bloodline, likely persists, hampering efforts to rebuild and stabilize.
Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still be active, potentially rallying around a new figurehead. The galaxy is likely in a state of power struggle, providing fertile ground for epic space battles. Piracy, a recurring issue in shows like The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, could have escalated in this chaotic period. Starfighter might explore these themes, with Gosling possibly portraying a New Republic pilot striving to restore order or a defender of a world left to fend for itself. This could fill the void left by the canceled Rogue Squadron movie, offering a fresh take on the battle for the galaxy's future.
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 and the destruction of his temple. While many Jedi were killed, it's unlikely all were eliminated. The status of key figures like Ahsoka Tano, whose voice was heard among the Force ghosts in The Rise of Skywalker but is suggested to still be alive, remains a mystery. Rey Skywalker is set to continue Luke's legacy in the New Jedi Order movie, but that film takes place a decade after Starfighter.
Whether Starfighter will touch on the Jedi's current state depends on Gosling's character. If he's Force-sensitive, we might see Rey appear in a supporting role, reaching out to this promising pilot. If not, the film could focus on ordinary heroes, much like Rogue One and Solo.
Are the Sith Still Around?
With Palpatine's definitive defeat in The Rise of Skywalker, the question of the Sith's survival looms large. The Expanded Universe suggests that new Sith Lords can emerge, drawn by the allure of the Dark Side. Palpatine's death might create a power vacuum, tempting others to fill it. Whether Starfighter will explore this remains to be seen, particularly if Gosling's character isn't a Jedi. We may need to wait for the New Jedi Order movie or Simon Kinberg's Star Wars trilogy for more on this front.
Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?
Starfighter introduces a new lead but being a standalone film doesn't rule out cameos from beloved characters. Poe Dameron, the galaxy's top pilot post-Han Solo, could play a role in restoring the New Republic. Chewbacca's current activities, whether still with Rey or elsewhere, might intertwine with Gosling's character, perhaps even involving the Millennium Falcon. Finn, now a symbol of hope for deserting Stormtroopers, could also feature if the film deals with First Order remnants. Rey's appearance might hinge on Gosling's character being Force-sensitive, 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? Cast your vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
