Lucasfilm revealed that actress Mia Goth, recognized for Pearl and X, will join Ryan Gosling in the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter, a new film in the Star Wars franchise. Directed by Shawn Levy, the movie is slated for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027, with production starting in fall 2025. The announcement followed the project’s unveiling at the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo in April 2025, where the film was described as a standalone adventure set five years after Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. While Goth’s role remains under wraps, her casting heightens anticipation for an original story featuring new characters. Penned by Jonathan Tropper, the production aims to explore an uncharted period in the Star Wars timeline, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences.
Goth’s casting sparked significant buzz, given her rising prominence in cinema with bold, versatile performances. Paired with Gosling, a Hollywood heavyweight, the project promises a dynamic ensemble.
The Star Wars Celebration in Chiba, Japan, served as the stage for confirming the title and release date, with Gosling and Levy in attendance. The event drew massive crowds to the Makuhari Messe convention center.
- Release date: May 28, 2027, in theaters.
- Setting: Five years post-The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
- Director: Shawn Levy, known for Deadpool & Wolverine.
- Screenwriter: Jonathan Tropper, collaborator on The Adam Project.
A rising star in the galaxy
At 32, Mia Goth has cemented her status as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation. Her standout roles in Ti West’s X, Pearl, and Maxxxine earned critical acclaim for their depth and intensity. Joining Star Wars: Starfighter marks her debut in a major franchise, a pivotal moment in her career.
Though details about Goth’s character are undisclosed, speculation suggests she could play a pivotal role, perhaps a warrior, Jedi, or even a villain. Lucasfilm emphasized that the film introduces entirely new characters, unlinked to the Skywalker saga.
Goth’s upcoming projects include Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, and Christopher Nolan’s The Oddysey, alongside Matt Damon and Zendaya. Her range makes her a fitting addition to the Star Wars universe.
Ryan Gosling’s galactic pull
Ryan Gosling, headlining the cast, brings significant star power. Known for Barbie and Blade Runner 2049, Gosling rarely tackles franchises, making his involvement in Star Wars: Starfighter noteworthy. At the Star Wars Celebration, he shared a personal anecdote, displaying a childhood bedsheet photo with a Star Wars theme, sent by his mother.
Gosling praised Tropper’s script for its “heart and adventure” and lauded Levy’s direction, calling him the ideal filmmaker for the project. He appeared at the event wearing a cap with the phrase “Never tell me the odds,” a nod to Han Solo, eliciting cheers from fans.
Shawn Levy’s vision
Shawn Levy, fresh off the $1.3 billion-grossing Deadpool & Wolverine, directs Star Wars: Starfighter with a goal to craft an original tale. He described the film as neither a prequel nor a sequel but a fresh story set in an unexplored era of the Star Wars universe.
Levy, who previously worked with Tropper on The Adam Project and This Is Where I Leave You, stressed the importance of honoring the franchise’s legacy. At the Star Wars Celebration, he spoke of balancing innovation with the playful spirit of Star Wars.
- Levy’s track record: Directed Deadpool & Wolverine, the top-grossing R-rated film.
- Approach: Centers on new characters and a standalone narrative.
- Production timeline: Filming begins fall 2025, continuing into 2026.
- Confirmed cast: Only Gosling and Goth announced so far.
Lucasfilm’s bold move
Under Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm aims to reinvigorate Star Wars on the big screen after a hiatus since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Star Wars: Starfighter is the second confirmed film in the pipeline, following The Mandalorian & Grogu, set for May 2026.
The Star Wars Celebration announcement signaled a new chapter for the franchise, which has faced delays and cancellations. Casting high-profile actors like Gosling and Goth underscores a strategy to draw top talent for standalone stories, moving beyond the Skywalker saga.
Additional projects include films by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, James Mangold, and Taika Waititi, plus a trilogy by Simon Kinberg. The Tokyo event also unveiled an animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord, and updates on The Mandalorian & Grogu.
Fan excitement
The casting of Goth and Gosling ignited fan enthusiasm, with social media buzzing after the announcement. Fans praised the choice of established stars, while others speculated about the plot, suggesting the Starfighter title might hint at a pilot-driven story akin to a space-faring Top Gun.
The Star Wars Celebration, held April 18-20 in Chiba, Japan, was a high point for the fan community. The event featured panels, costume displays, and exclusive footage from The Mandalorian & Grogu. Gosling and Levy’s onstage presence strengthened ties with attendees.
Production specifics
Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to start in fall 2025, with principal photography expected in 2026. Lucasfilm is keeping the plot confidential but confirmed the film as a standalone adventure, unrelated to legacy characters like Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader.
Jonathan Tropper’s screenplay, rooted in his experience with drama and comedy, suggests a mix of action and emotional depth. The setting, five years after The Rise of Skywalker, allows exploration of the galaxy’s state post-First Order-Resistance conflict.
Star Wars’ enduring legacy
Star Wars remains one of cinema’s most lucrative and influential franchises, with a global fanbase spanning generations. Since Disney’s 2012 acquisition, Lucasfilm expanded the universe through films, series, and animations like The Mandalorian and Rogue One.
Star Wars: Starfighter aligns with the 50th anniversary of A New Hope (1977). Its May 28, 2027, release targets the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, a prime box office slot.
- Franchise earnings: Over $10 billion in global box office revenue.
- Last film: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), grossing $1.07 billion.
- Next release: The Mandalorian & Grogu, May 22, 2026.
- Fan events: Star Wars Celebration is the largest gathering for fans.
Speculation and rumors
While Lucasfilm guards the plot, rumors suggest Star Wars: Starfighter may center on pilots or Jedi in a high-stakes mission. Reports indicate Greta Lee and Jesse Plemons were considered for roles, though only Gosling and Goth are confirmed.
Some speculated Daisy Ridley might reprise Rey Skywalker in a cameo, tying to her New Jedi Order project, but Lucasfilm dismissed these claims, affirming Starfighter’s standalone nature.
A stellar cast
The pairing of Mia Goth and Ryan Gosling blends emerging talent with established stardom. Goth’s dramatic intensity and Gosling’s charisma promise captivating performances. The casting appeals to diverse audiences, from Star Wars devotees to fans of the actors’ work.
The film marks Goth’s first foray into a major franchise, while Gosling, who often avoids blockbusters, takes on a high-profile role. Their onscreen dynamic will be a key draw for viewers.
Franchise’s next chapter
Star Wars: Starfighter is part of Lucasfilm’s push to diversify Star Wars narratives. Enlisting directors like Levy and stars like Goth and Gosling signals an effort to keep the franchise competitive.
Set three weeks after Avengers: Secret Wars, the film’s release leverages a high-visibility window. Lucasfilm plans a robust marketing campaign, with potential updates at the 2026 Star Wars Celebration.
