Ryan Gosling is preparing for a major new role in Star Wars: Starfighter, the upcoming standalone science-fiction adventure from Lucasfilm. The film will arrive in U.S. theaters on May 28, 2027, with Gosling playing Kade Auberon, a character whose fate becomes connected to an extraordinary starfighter. Director Shawn Levy has recently discussed his approach to the project, emphasizing his passion for the franchise and his creative partnership with Gosling.
The upcoming movie will introduce an original story set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Rather than continuing the familiar Skywalker family storyline, the production will explore a different period in the galaxy’s history.
The latest confirmed details also establish an important milestone for the film’s theatrical presentation. Lucasfilm has announced that the movie was filmed for IMAX and will receive a limited IMAX 70mm presentation at select locations. With its release date approaching in 2027, the project is becoming a significant part of the franchise’s next chapter.
Star Wars: Starfighter Release Date and Latest Updates
Lucasfilm has scheduled Star Wars: Starfighter for May 28, 2027. The release will coincide with the 50th anniversary weekend of the original Star Wars, which debuted in theaters in May 1977.
The film will receive an exclusive theatrical release. Disney’s official film information confirms the release date, lead actor, director, principal cast, and basic storyline.
Several important developments have shaped the project’s progress:
- Release date: May 28, 2027.
- Lead actor: Ryan Gosling.
- Main character: Kade Auberon.
- Director: Shawn Levy.
- Screenwriter: Jonathan Tropper.
- Production companies: Lucasfilm and Disney.
- Story setting: Approximately five years after The Rise of Skywalker.
- Theatrical presentation: Filmed for IMAX, with IMAX 70mm prints planned for select locations.
Another important update arrived in August 2026, when Gosling and Levy appeared at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. They discussed the film and introduced the audience to its central character.
Gosling described Kade as someone from the wrong side of the galaxy whose destiny becomes intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built. This description provides the clearest officially shared insight into the character’s background and the importance of the spacecraft.
In September 2026, Lucasfilm also announced the planned IMAX 70mm presentation. More recently, Levy discussed the movie’s creative direction in an interview published in October 2026.
These announcements provide a clearer picture of the project without revealing its entire plot.
Who Is Ryan Gosling Playing in Star Wars: Starfighter?
Ryan Gosling plays Kade Auberon, an original character created for Star Wars: Starfighter. The character does not represent a recasting of an established hero from the original trilogy or the Skywalker Saga.
Lucasfilm introduced Kade’s name publicly during the D23 presentation in August 2026. Gosling attended the event with Levy and offered a brief description of his character.
Kade comes from a difficult background and becomes connected to a remarkable starfighter. The official synopsis describes a cynical rogue who confronts a mysterious past before entering a dangerous adventure across the galaxy.
That description suggests a story centered on personal history, difficult choices, and an unexpected journey. However, Lucasfilm has not publicly disclosed every detail of Kade’s past, his motivations, or the complete sequence of events that drives the plot.
The character’s connection to the starfighter will be a central element of the film. The spacecraft is not simply a vehicle for travel; it forms part of the premise that sets the adventure in motion.
Gosling’s role also places him at the center of a new cinematic story within one of Hollywood’s most recognizable franchises. His character offers filmmakers an opportunity to introduce audiences to a different corner of the galaxy.
What Is the Story of Star Wars: Starfighter?
The confirmed premise follows Kade Auberon as he faces a mysterious past and becomes involved in a dangerous adventure.
The official synopsis describes the character as a cynical rogue whose circumstances push him toward a journey with potentially life-changing consequences. Lucasfilm has also identified the fastest starfighter ever built as an important part of Kade’s story.
The film will introduce new characters and explore a previously unseen period in the franchise’s on-screen timeline.
At D23, Gosling and Levy shared a first look at the production with attendees. The presentation offered an early glimpse of the movie’s tone and central relationship, although the footage shown at the event should not be confused with a complete public trailer.
The story also includes Flynn Gray, whose character is connected to the adventure alongside Gosling’s Kade. Their on-screen relationship is expected to play an important role in the film’s narrative, but the full details of their characters’ histories remain undisclosed.
Levy has emphasized themes associated with the wider franchise, including hope, family, and adventure. He has also described the project as an original story that explores a period not previously shown in a Star Wars film.
These confirmed details point toward a character-focused adventure rather than a direct continuation of the familiar Skywalker family conflict.
How Does Starfighter Fit Into the Star Wars Timeline?
Star Wars: Starfighter takes place approximately five years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the 2019 film that concluded the main Skywalker Saga.
This placement is important because it allows the new movie to explore the galaxy after the events of the sequel trilogy.
The film is designed as a standalone adventure. Lucasfilm has presented it as an original story with new characters rather than a direct sequel to the earlier films.
That approach gives the creative team room to explore unfamiliar locations, new conflicts, and different experiences within the established universe.
However, the exact political situation across the galaxy during the film’s story has not been fully explained. Lucasfilm has not released a complete account of the governments, factions, or major conflicts that will shape the narrative.
It would therefore be premature to claim that Kade belongs to a particular established organization or that the movie will feature specific legacy characters without further confirmation.
The confirmed timeline does provide one clear point: audiences will meet these characters after the events of the sequel trilogy, in a period that the franchise has not previously explored through a comparable theatrical story.
Shawn Levy Directs the New Star Wars Movie
Shawn Levy directs Star Wars: Starfighter and serves as a producer alongside Kathleen Kennedy.
Levy is known for directing Deadpool & Wolverine and working on Stranger Things. His experience spans large-scale genre entertainment, character-driven storytelling, and productions designed for broad audiences.
Lucasfilm announced the project at Star Wars Celebration Japan in April 2025. The announcement established Levy as director and Gosling as the lead actor.
In an October 2026 interview, Levy explained that his approach to major franchises begins with being a genuine fan. He discussed the importance of working on material that he personally enjoys and praised Gosling’s creative contributions.
That relationship is relevant because Gosling is not involved only as the lead performer. He also serves as an executive producer, giving him a role beyond acting.
Levy and Gosling have collaborated throughout the film’s development and production. Their partnership allows the director and lead actor to work closely on the central character and the overall presentation.
The film’s screenplay comes from Jonathan Tropper. His role is important because the project must introduce a new adventure while remaining consistent with the established Star Wars universe.
Levy has also highlighted the importance of hope, family, and adventure. Those themes have long appeared throughout the franchise, although the new movie will explore them through different characters and circumstances.
Star Wars: Starfighter Cast: Who Stars Alongside Ryan Gosling?
Lucasfilm announced the principal cast when production began in August 2025. The confirmed lineup includes established performers and younger actors.
| Actor | Confirmed involvement |
|---|---|
| Ryan Gosling | Kade Auberon |
| Flynn Gray | Principal cast member |
| Matt Smith | Principal cast member |
| Mia Goth | Principal cast member |
| Aaron Pierre | Principal cast member |
| Jamael Westman | Principal cast member |
| Daniel Ings | Principal cast member |
| Amy Adams | Principal cast member |
The official announcements establish these actors as members of the cast, but they do not publicly identify every character or explain each person’s role in the story.
Ryan Gosling leads the film as Kade Auberon, while Flynn Gray is another important performer in the central adventure.
Amy Adams brings extensive experience from dramatic films and major studio productions. Matt Smith is known for his work in television and film, while Mia Goth has built a career across several genres.
Aaron Pierre and Jamael Westman add further experience to the ensemble. Daniel Ings also joins the cast, contributing to the film’s mix of established and emerging performers.
The combination gives Levy a broad group of actors for an original story that must establish new relationships without relying entirely on familiar Star Wars characters.
The cast announcement also marked the beginning of principal production in the United Kingdom. Lucasfilm subsequently released an official first-look image featuring Gosling and Gray in character.
Will Star Wars: Starfighter Feature Familiar Characters?
Lucasfilm has positioned the film as a standalone adventure with an original cast of characters.
As of the latest confirmed information, the studio has not announced that the movie will center on Luke Skywalker, Rey, Finn, or another established protagonist from the main film series.
The story instead focuses on Kade Auberon and his connection to the starfighter.
A standalone production can still exist within the larger Star Wars universe without depending on appearances by familiar characters. The franchise has previously used different periods, locations, and groups of characters to tell distinct stories.
For Starfighter, the creative team’s stated emphasis remains on an original adventure set in a previously unexplored period.
That does not establish whether the finished film will include any brief references to familiar events or organizations. Such details remain unconfirmed unless Lucasfilm announces them.
For now, viewers should distinguish between the film’s confirmed premise and online theories about possible appearances or connections.
Star Wars: Starfighter Will Receive an IMAX 70mm Release
One of the most significant recent announcements concerns the film’s theatrical presentation.
In September 2026, Lucasfilm confirmed plans for Star Wars: Starfighter to receive an IMAX 70mm presentation at select locations. The studio also confirmed that the film was shot for IMAX using IMAX-certified film cameras.
This decision gives the movie a major large-format theatrical component. IMAX presentations can offer a larger image and a more immersive viewing environment than many conventional screens.
The 70mm announcement is particularly notable because the film will arrive during the 50th anniversary year of the original Star Wars release.
The original 1977 film is also scheduled for a special theatrical return in 2027, including select IMAX presentations. The anniversary programming places the new adventure alongside a major celebration of the franchise’s cinematic history.
However, the planned 70mm presentation will be limited to select locations. It should not be assumed that every U.S. theater will screen the movie in that format.
Specific participating theaters, showtimes, and ticket-sale details require separate confirmation as the release approaches.
The film’s confirmed IMAX plans nevertheless demonstrate that its theatrical presentation forms an important part of the production’s launch strategy.
What Ryan Gosling Has Revealed About His Star Wars Role
Gosling has offered a few meaningful clues about the character without revealing the entire story.
At D23 in August 2026, he described Kade as a person from the wrong side of the galaxy whose fate becomes intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built.
The statement highlights two central elements: Kade’s background and his connection to the spacecraft.
The description also establishes that the character’s journey will involve circumstances beyond his ordinary life. The official synopsis reinforces that idea by describing a rogue confronted by a mysterious past.
Gosling has also appeared publicly with Levy to promote the film and introduce its first-look material.
His involvement as an executive producer adds another dimension to his role. It indicates that his participation extends beyond performing in front of the camera.
Still, the actor has not publicly explained every aspect of Kade’s identity or revealed the ending. Claims about secret family relationships, hidden Force abilities, or specific allegiances should not be treated as facts without official confirmation.
The information available so far supports a more measured conclusion: Gosling will lead a new Star Wars adventure built around an original character and a significant connection to an exceptional spacecraft.
Production History and the Road to Release
Lucasfilm formally announced Star Wars: Starfighter at Star Wars Celebration Japan on April 18, 2025.
The studio identified Levy as director and Gosling as the star. It also established the May 2027 theatrical release window and explained that the story would explore a previously unseen period.
Production began in the United Kingdom, with Lucasfilm announcing the principal cast on August 28, 2025.
The production announcement included the first official image of Gosling and Flynn Gray together in character. That image provided an early look at the new film’s visual direction.
By August 2026, the project had reached a public promotional milestone at D23. Gosling and Levy appeared together, confirmed the name Kade Auberon, and shared exclusive first-look footage with attendees.
Lucasfilm followed with the September 2026 announcement concerning IMAX 70mm presentations.
In October 2026, Levy discussed his creative approach and his collaboration with Gosling in an interview, offering additional insight into the thinking behind the film.
The confirmed timeline is as follows:
- April 18, 2025: Lucasfilm announces the film at Star Wars Celebration Japan.
- August 28, 2025: The studio announces the principal cast and confirms that production has begun.
- August 2026: Gosling and Levy present the character Kade Auberon and first-look footage at D23.
- September 2026: Lucasfilm announces plans for an IMAX 70mm presentation at select locations.
- October 2026: Levy discusses the film’s creative direction in a published interview.
- May 28, 2027: The scheduled U.S. theatrical release.
This progression shows that the project has moved beyond its initial announcement into a more detailed public rollout.
Why Star Wars: Starfighter Matters for the Franchise
The new movie represents an opportunity for Lucasfilm to expand the theatrical Star Wars universe with characters who do not depend on the Skywalker family’s established history.
Its position after The Rise of Skywalker creates room to explore a different period without retelling the events of the original trilogy or sequel trilogy.
The film also brings together a major Hollywood star, an experienced director, and an ensemble cast for a story built around a new protagonist.
Gosling’s portrayal of Kade Auberon will be central to that effort. Audiences will need to understand the character’s motivations, his mysterious past, and the circumstances that connect him to the starfighter.
The IMAX plans provide another reason the project stands out. Lucasfilm has committed to a large-format presentation, with select theaters expected to offer the film in IMAX 70mm.
At the same time, many important details remain undisclosed. The complete plot, character relationships, and wider conflicts have not been fully explained in the confirmed public material.
The most reliable way to assess the movie is to separate the studio’s announcements from speculation. The confirmed facts already establish the lead actor, director, principal cast, timeline, central premise, and release date.
With the theatrical debut scheduled for May 2027, further official information can be expected as Lucasfilm continues its promotional campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eyan Gosling in Star Wars: Starfighter?
The name appears to be a misspelling of Ryan Gosling. The confirmed actor stars in Star Wars: Starfighter as Kade Auberon.
When will Star Wars: Starfighter be released in the United States?
The film is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on May 28, 2027.
Who is Ryan Gosling playing in Star Wars: Starfighter?
Gosling plays Kade Auberon, an original character described as a cynical rogue whose mysterious past leads him into a dangerous adventure.
Who directs Star Wars: Starfighter?
Shawn Levy directs the film and produces it with Kathleen Kennedy. Jonathan Tropper wrote the screenplay.
Who else stars in Star Wars: Starfighter?
The announced cast includes Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams, alongside Gosling.
Is Star Wars: Starfighter a sequel to The Rise of Skywalker?
No. Lucasfilm describes it as a standalone adventure with an original story. It takes place approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
Will Star Wars: Starfighter be available in IMAX 70mm?
Yes. Lucasfilm has announced plans for an IMAX 70mm presentation at select locations. The film was shot for IMAX using IMAX-certified film cameras.
Has Lucasfilm revealed the complete plot?
No. The studio has released the official synopsis and selected details about Kade Auberon, but the full storyline and ending remain undisclosed.
Is Ryan Gosling an executive producer on Star Wars: Starfighter?
Yes. Gosling serves as an executive producer alongside Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Dave Filoni, and Dan Levine.
What is the latest confirmed update about Star Wars: Starfighter?
The latest reported developments include Shawn Levy’s October 2026 comments about the film’s creative direction, following the official character reveal and IMAX 70mm announcement. The theatrical release remains scheduled for May 28, 2027.
Stay tuned for the next confirmed Star Wars: Starfighter updates, and share your thoughts on Ryan Gosling’s new role in the comments below.