The next Star Wars movie has crossed an important production threshold, but the implications of that progress may extend beyond a simple scheduling update.
Lucasfilm’s current stewardship of Star Wars reflects a deliberate pivot away from its most familiar mythology. Under president Kathleen Kennedy, the studio has made it clear that the franchise’s future is no longer anchored to the Skywalker lineage. Instead, the emphasis has shifted toward unexplored corners of the galaxy, new timelines, and characters unburdened by decades of continuity. Kennedy has repeatedly framed this era as an opportunity to widen the scope of Star Wars rather than revisit its most famous family.
That strategy is beginning to materialize on the theatrical side. After years of focusing on streaming, Star Wars is returning to cinemas with The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026. But the more defining announcement arrived at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, where Kennedy joined Dave Filoni, Shawn Levy, and Ryan Gosling to introduce a brand-new feature film: Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for May 28, 2027.
From its reveal, Starfighter was presented as a clean break. Lucasfilm emphasized that the movie does not directly tie into the sequel trilogy or the Skywalker saga. Instead, it is positioned as a standalone narrative unfolding during a previously unseen period in Star Wars history.
That independence is central to Levy’s creative approach. Free from the need to weave in legacy characters or resolve long-running storylines, the filmmaker was given room to build something from the ground up. The intent, according to Lucasfilm, is a film that feels accessible on its own terms while still carrying the visual language and emotional DNA of Star Wars.
The cast underscores that commitment to originality. Gosling headlines a group that includes Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and newcomer Flynn Gray. Mia Goth and Matt Smith have been cast as villains, hinting at darker forces at play, while Amy Adams’ participation has sparked early curiosity about her character. Fan speculation has quickly gravitated toward the possibility that Adams may portray someone with a connection to the Force or a new interpretation of Jedi mythology.
Those conversations intensified as reports suggested the film might quietly introduce elements designed to echo beyond a single story. One recurring rumor centers on a Force-sensitive child protected by his mother, a role some believe could belong to Adams. The idea raised the possibility that Starfighter could eventually feed into future Star Wars films.
That speculation even brushed up against Daisy Ridley’s Rey Skywalker and the forthcoming New Jedi Order project. Although Lucasfilm never confirmed any narrative overlap, the theory gained traction online as fans searched for connective tissue.
Recent remarks from Levy, however, suggest that any such links may have been rethought. In an appearance on On Film… With Kevin McCarthy, the director disclosed that the film’s third act was significantly altered during production.
“We had a whole different idea for something in the third act, and then things didn’t align, and I was forced to come up with a new idea. And I’m literally right now shooting that section of the movie,” Levy said. “Everyday I’m grateful that the way I was supposed to do it didn’t work out, because the new idea that it forced me to explore is so much better than the original idea would have been.”
Despite the changes, Levy has continued to stress that Starfighter is meant to function as a complete story. He has credited Kennedy’s hands-off mandate as a major reason he joined the project, calling it the realization of a lifelong ambition. For Levy, the appeal lies in making a Star Wars film that reflects his sensibilities without being constrained by formula.
Rather than building around established lore, Levy said he was encouraged to define a new era, set a unique tone, and give the film its own identity.
Another major step has now been reached. Levy confirmed on Instagram that principal photography on Star Wars: Starfighter has wrapped, officially moving the Ryan Gosling-led film into post-production ahead of its May 2027 debut.
If the movie succeeds, it could mark a turning point for Star Wars in theaters. With unfamiliar characters, a fresh timeline, and no dependence on legacy arcs, Starfighter represents one of Lucasfilm’s clearest departures from tradition in years.
Whether it ultimately becomes the foundation for future stories or stands alone, the studio’s direction is unmistakable: Star Wars is looking outward.
For a saga defined by vast galaxies and endless possibilities, that willingness to venture into the unknown may be exactly what the franchise needs at this moment.
How do you feel about Star Wars: Starfighter? Let us know in the comments down below!
Star Wars has all been ruined for my family. Lucasfilm can fo what they wish of course and so can we.