The sequel trilogy left fans divided over its direction. The Last Jedi (2017) presented Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as a disillusioned recluse, abandoning the straightforward heroism of the original films, while leaving Rey’s journey and the fate of the Jedi ambiguous.
The Rise of Skywalker (2019) course-corrected many of these choices, resurrecting Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), resolving Rey’s lineage, and crowning her the “last Jedi” (while it seems the 2017 film did that, the ending suggested there were more Jedi out in the galaxy). The result was a trilogy that often felt reactive rather than intentional, with key stories left incomplete.
But soon, Star Wars: Starfighter may offer yet another course correction, or retcon. Disney describes it as a standalone story taking place five years after The Rise of Skywalker, featuring entirely new characters in an era not previously explored on screen. Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray are confirmed to star as the two leads, though official plot specifics remain limited.
Related: ‘Star Wars' Brand-New Trilogy Unveils Mind-Blowing First Trailer : Disney Fanatic
However, rumors suggest Gosling’s character is a non-Jedi pilot escorting his Force-sensitive nephew, Gray, across the galaxy. While Luke Skywalker will not appear (Hamill has also previously ruled out the possibility of appearing as a Force Ghost in future films), the structure mirrors Luke's journey: training a new generation of Jedi.
Some fans speculate that Rey may even appear as the endpoint of the child’s journey, taking on a role similar to Luke’s in the original trilogy. As such, this would complete her journey in essentially replacing Luke as the figurehead of the franchise.
This setup would also allow the franchise to pass the baton to a new generation while setting up Rey’s long-gestating movie, which is said to be set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, where she attempts to rebuild the Jedi Order. But even if she doesn’t appear in Starfighter, she's already effectively been positioned as the spiritual successor to Luke — she even takes his surname at the end of the 2019 film. How can we forget?
A more recent rumor by insider MyTimeToShineH claims that Lucasfilm has plans for Starfighter to be the first movie in a brand-new trilogy. The parallels keep on adding up.
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027.
The film stars Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.
Are you excited about Starfighter? Let us know in the comments!
