The Star Wars saga is shifting gears—and this time, it’s not Rey Skywalker piloting the franchise forward.
While Lucasfilm’s theatrical slate has seen its fair share of changes, momentum is building. The Mandalorian and Grogu will debut May 22, 2026. Widely expected to replace a fourth season of The Mandalorian, the film marks the franchise’s next big-screen chapter—at least for now.
Another project, though, has quietly stepped into the spotlight: Shawn Levy’s standalone Star Wars feature.
Shawn Levy confirmed development of the project in 2023, telling IndieWire: “There’s a Star Wars movie that I’m developing. You never know what’s going to become undeniable and get made next.” Teaming with The Adam Project writer Jonathan Tropper, Levy has been laying the groundwork for a new adventure.
According to The Hollywood Reporter: “It is, however, to be unconnected to the so-called Skywalker Saga, the stories centered on well-established and beloved characters Luke Skywalker and his father, Anakin. It is meant to be a stand-alone movie, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. Lucasfilm had no comment on any impending deal or the project’s details.”
And now, it’s ready for takeoff. THR confirmed: “Ryan Gosling is headed to the great galaxy far, far away. The three-time Oscar nominee is in negotiations to topline the Star Wars feature project that will be directed by Deadpool & Wolverine filmmaker Shawn Levy.”
Rumors initially surfaced via insider @MyTimeToShineH, who claimed the project was accelerating and Gosling was attached.
Daniel Richtman echoed that report through Comic Book Movie, saying “it may start shooting as early as this Fall in the UK.” THR added: “If a deal makes, the project would continue to fly like the Millennium Falcon, becoming not only Levy’s next movie but also the next Star Wars movie to go into production, with cameras potentially rolling this fall.”
Kathleen Kennedy shed more light on the film’s context during an interview with Deadline: “Shawn’s is a standalone Star Wars story that’ll take place post-nine, maybe five or six years out. And Mandalorian really stands on its own because there, we’re dealing with a whole other era in the New Republic.”
“We have other development going on in that space as well. So that’s the space that we’re pretty much focused on right at the moment because, obviously, with Mandalorian, we have a pretty good sense of where that’s going. And with this, it’s all pretty much new characters. We may bring some of the characters back from the sequel saga, but pretty much new characters.”
Richtman also suggested Jesse Plemons “has the offer” to portray the film’s main villain.
At Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, Levy, Gosling, Kennedy, and Filoni officially introduced Star Wars: Starfighter, slated for release on May 28, 2027.
StarWars.com reported: “Set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Gosling will play a brand-new character teased by the actor’s appearance on stage.”
The announcement added: “One of several theatrical projects still in development from Lucasfilm, including films by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and a new trilogy by Simon Kinberg, Levy’s film–Star Wars: Starfighter–will star Gosling and go into production starting this fall.”
While Ridley’s Rey was once seen as the figurehead of the post-Rise of Skywalker saga, Starfighter signals a new direction. According to Richtman (via The Direct): “A Jedi (played by Ryan Gosling) trains his 15-year-old nephew as his Padawan. They're on a mission while being pursued by two villains — one male, one female. The Padawan's mother also plays an important role in the story, and there’s another major female character as well.”
Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey-centric film is still reportedly active, but a recent production delay may be tied to the fast-tracking of Levy’s Jedi-Padawan story. Although Rey could still have a presence in future installments, her immediate cinematic path is unclear.
Previously, Damon Lindelof had been linked to a version of the story set decades later, with Helen Mirren rumored to portray an older Rey. That concept now appears to be shelved.
Despite sharing a title with the 2001 “Star Wars: Starfighter” video game, the film won't be a direct adaptation. Still, Levy could draw inspiration from its core idea—a team of pilots uniting for a common cause.
With Gosling leading and Mia Goth among the cast, Levy is poised to bring his ensemble-driven storytelling style to the galaxy. Known for heartfelt narratives and emotionally charged dynamics, Levy may use this opportunity to explore a fresh era with new voices.
Several Star Wars projects remain in various stages of development. James Mangold is crafting a prehistoric Jedi origin tale. Dave Filoni’s film will deepen the New Republic timeline. Taika Waititi’s film is still on the docket but delayed. Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron may be returning from hiatus. And Simon Kinberg’s proposed trilogy could signal a whole new arc.
Until then, all eyes are on Starfighter. With filming set for fall and a release date locked in, the next phase of the Star Wars saga is ready for liftoff.
Let us know what you think of this galactic news in the comments.
