Gosling and Levy Unveil 'Star Wars: Starfighter' Teaser at D23

Key points

• The film is set to release in theaters on May 28, 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original 'Star Wars' release.
• Ryan Gosling plays Kade Auberon, a pilot described as a 'guy from the wrong side of the galaxy,' while Flynn Gray plays a young sidekick.
• Shawn Levy directs the film, which is written by Jonathan Tropper and features a supporting cast including Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams.
• The teaser shows Gosling and Gray discovering a decommissioned G17 starfighter, described as the fastest ever built, on a planet with massive ocean geysers.
• The movie is a standalone story set five years after 'The Rise of Skywalker' and does not feature the Skywalker family.

Background

This announcement follows a period of box office struggles for the franchise, including the underperformance of 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' in 2026. Disney previously canceled a different Star Wars project due to creative concerns, shifting focus to this new film. Gosling recently starred in 'Project Hail Mary,' which is currently streaming on Prime Video.

How outlets are covering it

Variety emphasizes the film's connection to the original 'Star Wars' release date and its themes of hope and family. Deadline highlights the visual similarities to classic Star Wars elements, such as speeder bikes and the sea-filled planet, while noting the absence of familiar characters. The Hollywood Reporter focuses on Gosling's personal connection to Disney, referencing his 'Mickey Mouse Club' origins, and notes that this is the first of two collaborations with Levy, including a future 'Ghost Rider' film. All outlets agree on the release date and the standalone nature of the story, but Variety and THR place more emphasis on the emotional and nostalgic aspects, while Deadline focuses on the visual and box office implications.

Why it matters

The release of 'Star Wars: Starfighter' is significant as it represents the first new theatrical Star Wars film in over six years. With the franchise facing box office challenges, the involvement of high-profile stars like Ryan Gosling and a successful director like Shawn Levy is seen as a potential revival for the brand. The film's standalone nature and new setting offer a fresh direction for the franchise, potentially attracting new audiences while maintaining core Star Wars themes.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027. Gosling and Levy are also set to collaborate on a 'Ghost Rider' film, currently slated for 2028. Disney and Lucasfilm are expected to provide more details about the plot and cast as the release date approaches, with potential further announcements at future fan events.