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

The most exciting announcement from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was the revelation that Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine, is directing the new standalone, live-action film "Star Wars: Starfighter" starring Ryan Gosling. Set to be the next Star Wars movie released after 2026's "The Mandalorian and Grogu," production for "Starfighter" is slated to begin this fall, aiming for a May 28, 2027 release.

While we eagerly await more details, Lucasfilm has confirmed that "Starfighter" takes place approximately five years after the events of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," positioning it as the furthest point in the Star Wars timeline explored in any movie or series to date. This setting opens up a wealth of possibilities and questions about the state of the galaxy in this new era.

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The Star Wars: Starfighter Games

It's worth noting that "Star Wars: Starfighter" shares its name with a series of games from the early 2000s for the PS2 and Xbox. The original game, released in 2001, and its sequel, "Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter" in 2002, are set during Episodes I and II respectively. Although the new film shares a title with these games, it's set decades later and is unlikely to borrow heavily from their plots. However, the film could draw inspiration from "Jedi Starfighter's" ship-to-ship combat, particularly its use of Force powers, which could enhance the action sequences if Gosling's character is a Jedi pilot.

The Fate of the New Republic

"The Rise of Skywalker" concludes with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal, yet leaves the galaxy's state ambiguous. The New Republic, devastated by the First Order's Starkiller Base attack in "The Force Awakens," remains a mystery. The ongoing tension between Populists and Centrists, as detailed in the novel "Star Wars: Bloodline," suggests a weakened and divided government struggling to rebuild. The possibility of lingering First Order remnants adds another layer of complexity to the galaxy's political landscape, potentially setting the stage for intense power struggles and epic space battles in "Starfighter."

Moreover, the rise in piracy, as depicted in "The Mandalorian" and "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," could escalate, further complicating the New Republic's efforts to restore order. Ryan Gosling's character might be a pilot for the New Republic, a local defender, or even an ex-First Order trooper, navigating this tumultuous period.

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Following the destruction of Luke Skywalker's Jedi Temple by Ben Solo, now Kylo Ren, the fate of the Jedi remains uncertain. While many Jedi were killed, it's conceivable that some survived, much like after Order 66. The question of Ahsoka Tano's status, hinted to be active by Dave Filoni despite her voice being among the Force ghosts in "The Rise of Skywalker," adds intrigue. Rey Skywalker's mission to rebuild the Jedi Order, set 15 years after "The Rise of Skywalker" in the upcoming "New Jedi Order" film, leaves "Starfighter" with the opportunity to explore the interim state of the Jedi. Depending on whether Gosling's character is Force-sensitive, "Starfighter" could either delve into this or focus on non-Jedi heroes, similar to "Rogue One" and "Solo."

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's definitive demise, the question of the Sith's survival looms large. The Expanded Universe and "Star Wars: Legacy" comics suggest that the Sith could resurface, as power-hungry individuals are always drawn to the Dark Side. Whether "Starfighter" will explore this remains to be seen, especially if Gosling's character isn't a Jedi. The presence of other Dark Side practitioners, like the Knights of Ren or a new Sith apprentice, could still pose a threat to the galaxy's peace.

Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?

"Star Wars: Starfighter" introduces a new lead character and explores an uncharted period, but it's a franchise known for its cameos and callbacks. Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron, the galaxy's premier pilot, could play a role in rebuilding the New Republic and might assist Gosling's character. Chewbacca's continued adventures, possibly alongside Rey or as a solo pilot, could also intersect with "Starfighter's" narrative. John Boyega's Finn, with his connection to former Stormtroopers, might appear if the film involves remnants of the First Order. Rey's involvement would likely hinge on Gosling's character being a Jedi, aligning with her efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order.

Which surviving character from "The Rise of Skywalker" would you most like to see in "Star Wars: Starfighter"? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

For more on the future of the Star Wars franchise, explore why Lucasfilm needs to focus on production over announcements, and stay updated with every Star Wars movie and series in development.