The biggest news from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Shawn Levy, the director behind *Deadpool & Wolverine*, is helming *Star Wars: Starfighter*, a new standalone, live-action film starring Ryan Gosling. Set to be the next Star Wars film following 2026's *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, *Starfighter* is slated to begin production this fall and is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027.

While the plot remains largely under wraps, we do know that *Starfighter* takes place approximately five years after the events of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*. This setting places the film further along the Star Wars timeline than any other movie or series to date, venturing into relatively uncharted territory.

As for what we know about this period in Star Wars lore, the details are sparse. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the conclusion of *The Rise of Skywalker* and the pre-Disney Legends universe. Let's explore the key questions left unanswered by *The Rise of Skywalker* and how *Starfighter* might address them.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

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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 PS2/Xbox era. The original *Star Wars: Starfighter* was released in 2001, followed by *Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter* in 2002. While the new movie shares the name, it's unlikely to borrow plot points from these games, which are set during the prequel era. However, the film could draw inspiration from the ship-to-ship combat seen in *Jedi Starfighter*, which introduced Force powers into space battles. This raises the intriguing possibility that Gosling's character might be both a Jedi and a skilled pilot, enhancing the film's action sequences.

The Fate of the New Republic

*The Rise of Skywalker* concludes with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and his Sith Eternal, but it leaves the galaxy's state post-Battle of Exegol ambiguous. The New Republic's fate after the destruction of Hosnian Prime by the First Order's Starkiller Base remains unclear. Subsequent Star Wars projects have focused on the conflict between Leia's Resistance and the First Order, offering little insight into the New Republic's recovery.

In *Starfighter*, the New Republic might still exist but likely in a weakened state. Prior to the First Order's rise, the Republic was already facing internal strife between Populists and Centrists, as seen in *Star Wars: Bloodline*. This conflict could persist as the New Republic attempts to regroup and rebuild. Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still linger, rallying around a new figurehead following Kylo Ren's death. The galaxy's power struggles during this period could provide a backdrop for epic space battles, a staple of the franchise. The film might explore these themes, with Gosling potentially playing a New Republic pilot striving to restore order, or a local defender in a world without the Republic's protection. He could even be a former First Order trooper like Finn.

As a standalone film, *Starfighter* may not introduce a new overarching conflict but rather focus on the aftermath of *The Rise of Skywalker*, with a villain exploiting the galaxy's power vacuum.

Luke Skywalker's attempt to rebuild the Jedi Order was cut short by Ben Solo's betrayal and the destruction of his temple. While many Jedi were killed, it's likely some survived, much like after Order 66. The current state of the Jedi Order remains a mystery, with Ahsoka Tano's status during the Sequel era still uncertain despite her voice being heard among the Force ghosts in *The Rise of Skywalker*.

Rey Skywalker is set to continue Luke's legacy in the upcoming *New Jedi Order* film, which takes place 15 years after *The Rise of Skywalker*. Whether *Starfighter* will address the Jedi's current state depends on whether Gosling's character is Force-sensitive. If so, Rey might make a cameo, reaching out to this promising pilot. If not, *Starfighter* could focus on ordinary heroes, much like *Rogue One* and *Solo: A Star Wars Story*.

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's definitive defeat in *The Rise of Skywalker*, the question arises: are there any remaining Sith? The Star Wars Legends universe suggests that the Sith could persist beyond Palpatine, with various stories detailing their continued influence. Even without the formal title of Sith, the Dark Side could still pose a threat through figures like surviving Knights of Ren or another of Luke's fallen pupils.

Whether *Starfighter* will explore this depends on its focus. If Gosling's character isn't a Jedi, the film might bypass the Sith storyline, leaving it for future projects like the *New Jedi Order* film or Simon Kinberg's trilogy.

*Star Wars: Starfighter* introduces a new lead character and is set in a previously unexplored period. As a standalone movie, it might not feature many familiar faces. However, Star Wars is known for its cameos and callbacks. Poe Dameron, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, seems a likely candidate to appear, given his status as a top pilot and hero of the Resistance. He could play a role in rebuilding the galaxy and the New Republic.

Chewbacca's return is also possible, perhaps alongside Gosling's character on the Millennium Falcon. Finn, played by John Boyega, could reappear if the film deals with remnants of the First Order, continuing his journey as a leader for defecting Stormtroopers. Rey's appearance might hinge on whether Gosling's character is a Jedi, as Lucasfilm has plans for her in future projects.

Which surviving character from *The Rise of Skywalker* would you most like to see in *Star Wars: Starfighter*? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know in the comments below.