The biggest revelation from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Shawn Levy, renowned for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine, will direct Star Wars: Starfighter, a new standalone live-action film featuring Ryan Gosling. Set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, following the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026, Starfighter promises to be a thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga. Filming is slated to begin this fall, and the movie is positioned five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, marking it the furthest point on the Star Wars timeline explored to date.

While plot details remain scarce, the setting provides a rich canvas for storytelling. The period post-The Rise of Skywalker remains largely uncharted in Star Wars lore, offering ample room for speculation and exploration. Let's delve into the key questions left unanswered by The Rise of Skywalker and consider how Starfighter might address them.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

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The Star Wars: Starfighter Games

It's worth noting that Star Wars: Starfighter shares its name with a series of games from the early 2000s. The original Star Wars: Starfighter (2001) and its sequel Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter (2002) were set during the prequel era, focusing on different pilots and battles. Although the new movie shares the title, it's set decades later, making a direct plot connection unlikely. However, the film could draw inspiration from Jedi Starfighter's innovative use of Force powers in ship-to-ship combat, potentially featuring Gosling's character as a Jedi pilot.

The Fate of the New Republic

After the defeat of Emperor Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker, the state of the galaxy remains murky. The New Republic, severely weakened by the First Order's attack on Hosnian Prime, may still exist but likely struggles with internal conflicts and external threats. The political divide between Populists and Centrists, as seen in Star Wars: Bloodline, could continue to hinder its efforts to rebuild. Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still linger, possibly rallying around a new leader. This setting suggests a galaxy rife with power struggles and opportunities for epic space battles, aligning with the potential focus of Starfighter. The film could explore the role of piracy, a recurring issue in the post-Empire era, further complicating the New Republic's efforts to restore order.

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Luke Skywalker's attempt to revive the Jedi Order ended in tragedy with Ben Solo's betrayal and the destruction of his temple. While many Jedi were killed, it's plausible that some survived, much like during Order 66. The current state of the Jedi remains unclear, especially with Rey Skywalker's mission to rebuild the Order set a decade after Starfighter. Whether Starfighter will delve into the Jedi's current status could depend on Gosling's character's connection to the Force. If he is Force-sensitive, the film might feature a cameo from Rey or explore the remnants of the Jedi Order.

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's definitive demise in The Rise of Skywalker, the question arises: are the Sith extinct? Historically, the Star Wars universe has shown that new Sith can emerge, as seen in the Legends continuity. Palpatine's death might leave a power vacuum, attracting others to the Dark Side. Whether Starfighter will address the Sith's presence could hinge on the film's focus on the Force. If not, fans might have to wait for future projects like the New Jedi Order movie or Simon Kinberg's Star Wars trilogy to explore this further.

Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?

Star Wars: Starfighter introduces a new lead character but, as a standalone film, might still include familiar faces from the Sequel Trilogy. Poe Dameron, the galaxy's top pilot, could play a role in rebuilding efforts, making him a likely candidate for a cameo. Chewbacca's current endeavors, perhaps alongside Rey or independently, could also tie into the story. Finn, who began inspiring other Stormtroopers to defect, might return if the film involves conflicts with First Order remnants. Rey's appearance could depend on the protagonist's Force sensitivity, aligning with her ongoing mission to rebuild the Jedi Order. While Starfighter may not feature extensive cameos, the Star Wars tradition of including nods to beloved characters could still be in play.