"Star Wars: Starfighter - Plot and Timeline Revealed"

The biggest news from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Shawn Levy, the acclaimed director of *Deadpool & Wolverine*, is set to helm *Star Wars: Starfighter*, a new standalone live-action film featuring Ryan Gosling. Scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, following *The Mandalorian and Grogu* in 2026, *Starfighter* promises to push the Star Wars saga forward in an exciting new direction.

Set five years after the events of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*, *Starfighter* ventures into uncharted territory within the Star Wars universe. This timeline positions the film as the most advanced in the Star Wars chronology to date. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the setting offers a fertile ground for exploring the aftermath of the Skywalker saga and the evolving state of the galaxy.

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The Star Wars: Starfighter Games

It's worth noting that *Star Wars: Starfighter* shares its title with a series of video games from the early 2000s, including the original *Star Wars: Starfighter* (2001) and its sequel *Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter* (2002). While the new film shares a name with these games, it is unlikely to borrow their storylines, given its setting decades later. However, the film might draw inspiration from *Jedi Starfighter*'s innovative use of Force powers in ship-to-ship combat, potentially incorporating similar elements into its action sequences.

The Fate of the New Republic

*The Rise of Skywalker* concludes with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal, yet leaves the fate of the New Republic ambiguous. After the destruction of Hosnian Prime by the First Order's Starkiller Base, the New Republic's leadership was decimated, leaving its future uncertain. *Starfighter* could delve into the New Republic's struggle to rebuild amidst internal conflicts between Populists and Centrists, as detailed in *Star Wars: Bloodline*. Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still pose a threat, setting the stage for epic space battles and power struggles in the galaxy. The rise in piracy, as seen in *The Mandalorian* and *Star Wars: Skeleton Crew*, could also play a significant role in the film's narrative.

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Luke Skywalker's efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order were thwarted by the destruction of his temple and the rise of Kylo Ren. While many Jedi were killed, it's plausible that some survived, similar to those who evaded Order 66. The current state of the Jedi remains a mystery, with Ahsoka Tano's status during the Sequel era still unclear. *Starfighter* may explore these elements depending on whether Gosling's character is Force-sensitive. If so, the film might feature a cameo from Rey Skywalker, who is set to continue Luke's legacy in a future film.

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's definitive demise in *The Rise of Skywalker*, the question of the Sith's survival lingers. Historically, the Star Wars Legends universe depicted the rise of new Sith Lords post-*Return of the Jedi*. *Starfighter* could introduce a new Dark Side antagonist, perhaps a former apprentice of Palpatine or a member of the Knights of Ren, exploiting the power vacuum left by Palpatine's death.

Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?

As a standalone film, *Starfighter* focuses on new characters, but Star Wars has a tradition of including cameos. Poe Dameron, known as one of the galaxy's best pilots, could play a pivotal role in helping rebuild the New Republic. Chewbacca's presence, perhaps alongside Gosling's character in the Millennium Falcon, would provide a nostalgic link to the Skywalker saga. Finn might appear if the plot involves First Order remnants, while Rey's involvement would hinge on the film's exploration of the Jedi. Other characters like Lando Calrissian or even the Force ghost of Luke Skywalker could make brief appearances, enriching the narrative with familiar faces.

Which surviving character from *The Rise of Skywalker* would you most like to see in *Star Wars: Starfighter*? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For more insights into the future of the Star Wars franchise, explore why Lucasfilm should focus on producing films rather than announcing them, and stay updated with every Star Wars project currently in development.