The Star Wars universe has been expanding over the years. The first Star Wars movie in almost five years is breaking new ground. In a recent interview, the director revealed that Star Wars: Starfighter nods to familiar elements from previous installments. But it’s not a sequel or a prequel, setting expectations for a fresh yet connected story.
What is Star Wars: Starfighter?
Set roughly five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the film explores a galaxy still adjusting to the fallout of the First Order’s defeat. The details about characters and factions remain under wraps. But we know the timeline hints at a period of rebuilding and new adventures. This gives the film freedom. Now it can tell its own story. It’s not tied to the pressures of following or preceding existing Star Wars films.
While the time period, known as the New Republic era, shares a similar timeline as The Mandalorian & Grogu and the Disney+ shows, there aren’t going to be any characters from the show.
Starring another well-known Ryan (Gosling), Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Flynn Gray, Aaron Pierre, Daniel Ings, and Simon Bird, the upcoming film is advertised as a stand-alone entry in the franchise.
Levy’s Vision for Starfighter
Shawn Levy is a huge fan. He even included subtle references to the speeder chase from Return of the Jedi in his Ryan Reynolds film, The Adam Project. “Star Wars has always been the defining influence on my filmmaking sensibility,” He told Entertainment Weekly, “It always was. It always will be.”
Levy is executive producer and a frequent director on Stranger Things. While promoting the last season, the director is taking a break from filming.
The director confirmed that longtime fans will notice Easter eggs and nods to the franchise’s rich history. These references aren’t mere fan service—they serve to deepen the world-building and honor the saga’s legacy while allowing Starfighter to stand on its own.
What Can Fans Expect?
Levy describes working on the film as being “surreal and awesome” but a “dream-come-true.” He added that he has “deep respect and love” for the legacy. He enjoys the opportunity to do something “fresh and original” with Jonathan Tropper, the writer of The Adam Project.
He emphasizes character-driven storytelling, intricate world-building, and the careful integration of franchise references that longtime fans will recognize. According to Levy, it’s an entirely new story that respects the saga’s history while charting its own course.
The director believes this film could influence future Star Wars projects. It could open the door for more standalone stories that explore new eras, characters, and conflicts. Early reactions from fans have been enthusiastic, with many speculating about returning factions, new heroes, and the creative risks Levy has hinted at.
Impact on the Star Wars Saga
In the end, Star Wars: Starfighter represents a milestone for the Star Wars franchise—a bold step forward that honors its legacy while pushing boundaries. As Levy puts it, this is a Star Wars movie that both celebrates the past and redefines what the saga can be in the years to come.
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to be released on May 28, 2027.
(Via Entertainment Weekly)
Which Star Wars elements are you most excited to see reimagined in Starfighter? Let us know down below!
