Shawn Levy recently shared exciting updates about one of the most anticipated upcoming projects in the Star Wars franchise. The director revealed that the 2027 film, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, is progressing well, with production already “a little over halfway” complete. He described the experience of making the film as “astonishing, complicated, and thrilling every day.”
Significantly, Levy emphasized that the film will fulfill the long-awaited destiny of actor Matt Smith within the Star Wars universe. Smith was initially cast in a role for The Rise of Skywalker that was ultimately scrapped during the writing process; however, with Starfighter, he will finally make his mark in the beloved galaxy far, far away. Levy stated, “I read those stories and subsequently got the straight reels on it from a few sources. For him, too, he feels like it’s destiny fulfilled.”
In this new installment, Smith will be part of an impressive ensemble cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Mia Goth, Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings. Two behind-the-scenes photos recently unveiled depict Gosling and Gray’s characters in action, teasing fans about the film’s thrilling narrative set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
Levy praised Gosling’s contributions to the film, noting, “Ryan Gosling, we all know how brilliant he is, but he’s an incredible creative partner.” He expressed enthusiasm for working with a talented group including Goth, Smith, and Adams, stating that the collaboration has been “more creatively satisfying than I dreamed it would be.” Smith is slated to begin filming in December as the team completes his costume and character design.
Early reports indicate that both Smith and Mia Goth will portray villains, hinting at a connection to Smith’s previously rumored role tied to Palpatine. Starfighter is positioned to be the second theatrical Star Wars release since 2019, following the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is set to premiere on May 22, 2026.
Fans can look forward to seeing Star Wars: Starfighter in theaters on May 28, 2027, guided by the vision of Levy, who is co-producing the film alongside Kathleen Kennedy. With a talented cast and a tantalizing premise, there is much to be hopeful about as this new chapter in the Star Wars saga unfolds.