The Force is strong with this one. At this year’s Star Wars Celebration, director Shawn Levy and actor Ryan Gosling took the stage to officially unveil details about their highly anticipated project: Star Wars: Starfighter — and fans are already losing their minds.
A Bold New Chapter in the Galaxy
Described as a “gritty, character-driven space epic,” Starfighter will introduce audiences to a fresh corner of the Star Wars universe. Set years before the events of The Force Awakens, the film centers on a rogue pilot, played by Ryan Gosling, who’s caught between the fading glory of the old Rebellion and the dangerous rise of new galactic forces.
Shawn Levy, best known for his work on Stranger Things and Free Guy, promises a film that “honors the legacy of Star Wars while pushing it into unexpected territory.”
Ryan Gosling Takes the Cockpit
Gosling, in his first role within the Star Wars franchise, plays Korin Vos, a battle-scarred ace pilot with a mysterious past and questionable loyalties. At the Celebration panel, Gosling shared, “This isn’t your typical hero’s journey. It’s about surviving in a galaxy that’s already chosen sides.”
Fans were treated to a brief sizzle reel showcasing high-octane dogfights, unfamiliar planets, and gritty, grounded storytelling. Think Rogue One meets Top Gun — but with lightspeed.
Premiere Date Locked
Star Wars: Starfighter is officially set to premiere on December 18, 2026, right in time for the holiday blockbuster season. Production begins this fall, with filming expected to take place across the U.K., Iceland, and select studio stages in Los Angeles.
What We Know So Far
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Director: Shawn Levy
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Lead Actor: Ryan Gosling as Korin Vos
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Setting: Pre-Force Awakens, post-Return of the Jedi
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Genre: Action/Thriller with heavy emotional and psychological elements
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Release Date: December 18, 2026
With star power, fresh vision, and deep Star Wars lore, Starfighter is shaping up to be a thrilling new flight path in the galaxy far, far away.
