"Star Wars: Starfighter - Plot and Timeline Details Revealed"

The biggest highlight from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine, will be directing Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone live-action film featuring Ryan Gosling. This new addition to the Star Wars saga is slated to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, following the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026. With production kicking off this fall, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an exciting cinematic experience.

While details about the plot of Starfighter remain sparse, one key fact has been disclosed: the film is set five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. This timeline positions Starfighter further along than any previous Star Wars movie or series, venturing into uncharted territory in the franchise's lore. Given the scarcity of information on this period, speculation abounds on how the story will unfold and what elements from the Star Wars universe it will explore.

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The Star Wars: Starfighter Games

It's worth noting that Star Wars: Starfighter shares its title with a series of video games released for the PS2 and Xbox. The original Star Wars: Starfighter launched in 2001, followed by Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter in 2002. These games are set during the prequel era, focusing on different pilots and events. Although the new film shares the name, it's unlikely to borrow heavily from the games' plots, given its setting decades later. However, the inclusion of ship-to-ship combat reminiscent of Jedi Starfighter, possibly featuring Force-enhanced abilities, could add an exciting dimension to the film. If Gosling's character is both a Jedi and a skilled pilot, this could lead to thrilling action sequences.

The Fate of the New Republic

The conclusion of The Rise of Skywalker saw the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal, but left the state of the galaxy post-Battle of Exegol ambiguous. The New Republic, already weakened by the destruction of Hosnian Prime by the First Order's Starkiller Base, faces an uncertain future. Internal conflicts between Populists and Centrists, as detailed in the novel Star Wars: Bloodline, may have further destabilized the government. The possibility of lingering First Order remnants rallying around a new leader also adds complexity to the political landscape. Starfighter could explore these power struggles, showcasing epic space battles as the galaxy navigates this turbulent era. Ryan Gosling's character might play a pivotal role as a pilot striving to restore order, filling a narrative gap left by the cancellation of Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron.

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Luke Skywalker's dream of reviving the Jedi Order was shattered when Ben Solo turned to the dark side, destroying the Jedi Temple and becoming Kylo Ren. While many Jedi perished, it's likely some survived, raising questions about their current status and the role of characters like Ahsoka Tano, whose voice was heard among the Force ghosts in The Rise of Skywalker. Rey Skywalker is set to continue Luke's legacy in the upcoming New Jedi Order film, but that story is set a decade after Starfighter. Whether Starfighter addresses the Jedi's state may depend on Gosling's character's connection to the Force, potentially featuring a cameo from Rey if he's a promising Jedi.

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's definitive defeat, the future of the Sith remains uncertain. The Star Wars Legends universe suggests that new Sith Lords can emerge, and the animated series The Clone Wars showcased various Dark Side factions. Starfighter might introduce a new dark side threat exploiting the power vacuum left by Palpatine's demise, though this may hinge on whether the film delves into Force-related storylines. If not, fans might have to wait for subsequent films like the New Jedi Order or Simon Kinberg's Star Wars trilogy to see the Sith's fate explored further.

Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?

As a standalone film, Starfighter is unlikely to feature a large ensemble of familiar faces. However, Star Wars films often include cameos and nods to the broader universe. Poe Dameron, renowned as one of the galaxy's top pilots, could make an appearance, possibly aiding Gosling's character in rebuilding efforts. Chewbacca's current whereabouts and potential involvement with the Millennium Falcon could also tie into the story. Finn, who hinted at leading a resistance against the First Order remnants, might find a place in this narrative. Rey's appearance could depend on whether the film explores Jedi themes. While the film introduces new characters and settings, these connections to beloved figures could enrich the story and satisfy fans eager for continuity.

For more insights into the future of the Star Wars franchise, explore why Lucasfilm needs to stop announcing movies and just make them, and stay updated on every Star Wars movie and series in development.