Amy Adams and Aaron Pierre have officially joined the cast of Shawn Levy's upcoming “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which has just begun production in the United Kingdom. Disney and Lucasfilm have released a first-look image—an evocative, blurry black-and-white shot featuring Ryan Gosling, who leads the film, alongside young newcomer Flynn Gray. The film's ensemble also includes Mia Goth, Matt Smith, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings.
“Starfighter” is a standalone story set about five years after 2019's “The Rise of Skywalker,” representing a fresh narrative within the Star Wars universe aimed at revitalizing the franchise's theatrical presence. The project is helmed by Shawn Levy, known for directing “Deadpool & Wolverine,” with a script by Jonathan Tropper. The film is distinct from the Skywalker Saga, focusing on a new set of characters and stories never before explored in Star Wars' cinematic timeline.
Amy Adams, a six-time Oscar nominee, joins amid a career phase marked by fewer standout roles since her last major success in “Arrival” (2016). Aaron Pierre is touted as an emerging star, fresh off roles in “Rebel Ridge” and high-profile TV projects like HBO's DCU series “Lanterns.” Notably, Mia Goth replaced Mikey Madison after salary negotiations faltered following Goth's Oscar win for “Anora.”
Production kicked off in late August 2025, with a scheduled theatrical release date of May 28, 2027—exactly one year after “The Mandalorian & Grogu” hits theaters. This promises to be the first Star Wars theatrical feature since 2019 and a critical moment for Disney's ongoing efforts to restore the franchise's cinematic relevance.
Shawn Levy's enthusiasm is palpable: he describes the experience as a “dream come true” and honors the lasting cultural impact Star Wars has had on storytelling and cinema. Executive producers include Ryan Gosling and Kathleen Kennedy, further signaling high confidence in the film's creative team.
This launch reflects a broader trend where legacy franchises seek reinvention by focusing on original standalone adventures to broaden their universe's scope and appeal. For Star Wars fans and cinephiles alike, “Starfighter” offers a genuine pulse of excitement—an invitation to explore uncharted corners of a galaxy far, far away, under the guidance of a filmmaker whose recent genre work has sparked both curiosity and debate.
Summary – What to Know About “Star Wars: Starfighter”:
- Fresh Narrative: A standalone story set 5 years after “The Rise of Skywalker,” with entirely new characters and unexplored timeline phases.
- Star-Studded Cast: Ryan Gosling leads, supported by Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre, Mia Goth, Matt Smith, and others.
- Production Status: Filming began August 2025 in the UK, with a first look image released by Disney and Lucasfilm.
- Release Date: Set for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027, a year post-“The Mandalorian & Grogu.”
- Creative Powerhouse: Directed by Shawn Levy, scripted by Jonathan Tropper, with Levy and Kathleen Kennedy producing.
- Industry Context: Marks the first Star Wars big-screen feature since 2019 during a critical phase for franchise revitalization.
