For years, the Star Wars saga has been circling the same familiar corners of its galaxy, whether through the Skywalker saga on the big screen or the interconnected stories on Disney+. But now, the franchise is finally ready to break new ground. At D23, the first teaser for Star Wars: Starfighter landed with a bang, giving fans their first real glimpse of Ryan Gosling's journey into a galaxy far, far away—and it's unlike anything we've seen before.
Directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on Stranger Things and Deadpool & Wolverine, Starfighter is an entirely original story, not a sequel or adaptation. That's a bold move for Lucasfilm, and it's exactly why this project has fans buzzing. The teaser, shown exclusively to the D23 audience, introduced Gosling's character, Kade Auberon, a pilot from the wrong side of the galaxy whose fate becomes intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built. Gosling himself described the character as someone from the wrong side of the tracks, but with a destiny that could change everything.
The teaser itself was a visual treat, mixing shots of Kade showing off his sleek starfighter with scenes of it being repaired, all set to a dramatic score and plenty of hero shots of Gosling. The vibe felt like a blend of Levy's Real Steel and the classic Star Wars aesthetic—a combination that promises both heart and high-octane action. It's refreshing to see something new in this universe, and the crowd's reaction at D23 suggests they agree.
Joining Gosling is an impressive ensemble cast, including Flynn Gray, Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Mia Goth (Pearl), Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge), Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners), Jamael Westman (The Essex Serpent), Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen), and Amy Adams (Arrival). Levy directs from a screenplay by Jonathan Tropper, known for his work on Banshee and Warrior.
In an earlier interview with Collider while promoting Project Hail Mary, Gosling couldn't contain his excitement about the project. He praised Levy's vision, saying, "It's such a great story on its own, and the characters are amazing. The journey is epic. I think that Shawn Levy, he's got it. He's got the tone. He's got the enthusiasm for this. It's infectious." He added that everyone involved felt like they were part of something special, and that Levy's passion was palpable on set.
With Starfighter set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, fans have a while to wait, but the teaser has already set the internet ablaze. This is a major step for Star Wars, moving beyond the familiar to explore new stories and characters. It's a gamble, but with Levy at the helm and Gosling in the cockpit, it's one that could pay off spectacularly.
For those eager for more Star Wars news, be sure to check out our coverage of Marvel's X-Men cast announcement and the latest on VisionQuest's Ultron return. And if you're curious about other upcoming sci-fi adventures, don't miss our look at Owen Wilson's chaotic festival experience.
As we count down to 2027, one thing is certain: the Force is strong with Starfighter, and it's about to take us somewhere we've never been before.
