The Star Wars movies had been on the back burner for a while. When Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, they had plans for multiple films besides the sequel trilogy. However, while Rogue One was a hit, Solo faltered and was followed by the disappointing reaction to The Rise of Skywalker.
The franchise found its next chapter on Disney Plus, where it enjoyed successes like Andor and Obi-Wan Kenobi, although that has been somewhat offset by some missteps like the short-lived The Acolyte. Meanwhile, Disney has continued plans for new films, including a trilogy set 15 years after ROS with Daisy Ridley as Rey forming a new Jedi Order.
Today, production has begun on Star Wars: Starfighter with Shawn Levy helming this new standalone movie. It was already announced to have a big cast with Ryan Gosling as the heroic New Republic pilot, and Matt Smith and Mia Goth expected to play villains.
Now, the Hollywood Reporter has shared that the film is boasting some major new additions in Flynn Gray, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams. There’s no word yet on who they play, but Levy shared a statement on how it felt to kick off this exciting production.
“I feel a profound sense of excitement and honor as we begin production on Star Wars: Starfighter. From the day Kathy Kennedy called me up, inviting me to develop an original adventure in this incredible Star Wars galaxy, this experience has been a dream come true, creatively and personally. Star Wars shaped my sense of what story can do, how characters and cinematic moments can live with us forever. To join this storytelling galaxy with such brilliant collaborators onscreen and off, is the thrill of a lifetime.”
The addition of so many big-name actors can only help this movie reach new heights of success!
So, who could be playing who in Star Wars: Starfighter?
The movie is, of course, keeping secret who the stars play. It’s believed that Gray plays a young boy who’s mentored by Gosling. The young actor is getting his big break with this role after just two previous movies.
Nabbing Amy Adams gives the film some cred as the six-time Oscar nominee worked with Levy in Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian and the acclaimed sci-fi film Arrival. She appears to be playing Gray’s mother and her charm and acting chops should elevate the role.
Pierre has been breaking out with the surprise Netflix action hit Rebel Ridge and is set to play John Stewart in HBO’s Lanterns series. Bird is known for the British series The Inbetweeners, while Ing has a part in Netflix’s crime dramedy The Gentlemen.
Starfighter has been in development for some time among other Star Wars titles. One of its fellow upcoming projects is a Rogue Squadron film. In 2020, Patty Jenkins was announced to helm such a film. It was reportedly shelved at one point in time but Jenkins revealed last year that she is once again working on it.
The new Starfighter looks to bridge the gap between ROS and the next Rey-centric trilogy while also acting as a standalone entry for those who just want action. “Star Wars meets Top Gun” is an easy sell, and with such a high-powered cast, Starfighter looks ready to blast off in style.
Star Wars: Starfighter arrives in movie theaters on May 28, 2027.