Disney and Lucasfilm unveiled footage from the upcoming “Star Wars: Starfighter” at D23, marking the franchise’s return to the big screen. The film stars Ryan Gosling as pilot Kade Auberon and will arrive in theaters on May 28, 2027. Director Shawn Levy, known for helming “Deadpool & Wolverine,” is bringing Jonathan Tropper’s script to life for what promises to be a significant milestone in the “Star Wars” saga.
The preview material showcased Gosling’s character discovering a decommissioned starfighter rumored to be the fastest ever constructed. After restoring the vessel, Auberon pilots the craft through otherworldly environments, including towering geysers rising from an alien ocean. The footage also featured combat sequences with droids and Gosling’s robotic co-pilot assisting with takeoff operations.
Set five years following the conclusion of the sequel trilogy, “Starfighter” represents a standalone story with the potential for character returns from previous films. The production filmed in Sardinia, Italy, which could establish a visually distinct aesthetic compared to iconic “Star Wars” locations. The ensemble cast includes Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, and Amy Adams, among others.
Levy emphasized the film’s thematic alignment with the franchise’s core values during the D23 presentation, noting that the May 2027 release date coincides with the original “Star Wars” premiere’s fiftieth anniversary. This theatrical outing arrives following “The Mandalorian and Grogu” and numerous Disney+ series that have sustained fan interest in the galaxy far, far away.
