"Star Wars: Starfighter - Plot and Timeline Details Revealed"

The biggest news from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Shawn Levy, known for directing *Deadpool & Wolverine*, will helm *Star Wars: Starfighter*, a new standalone, live-action film starring Ryan Gosling. Scheduled to begin production this fall, *Starfighter* is slated for release on May 28, 2027, following *The Mandalorian and Grogu* in 2026. Set five years after the events of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*, *Starfighter* will delve into an unexplored period of the Star Wars timeline, promising fresh narratives and exciting adventures.

While specifics about the plot remain under wraps, the setting post-*The Rise of Skywalker* offers a canvas ripe for speculation. This era, further along the timeline than any previous Star Wars movie or series, leaves many questions about the galaxy's state unanswered. Let's explore some of the key aspects that *Starfighter* could address.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

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The Star Wars: Starfighter Games

It's noteworthy that *Star Wars: Starfighter* shares its name with a series of games from the PS2/Xbox era, including *Star Wars: Starfighter* (2001) and its sequel *Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter* (2002). Although the new movie may borrow the name, it's unlikely to draw plot elements directly from these games, which are set decades earlier during Episodes I and II. However, the ship-to-ship combat featured in *Jedi Starfighter*, enhanced by Force powers, could inspire similar dynamic action sequences in the film. If Ryan Gosling's character is both a Jedi and a skilled pilot, this could add an exciting dimension to the movie's battles.

The Fate of the New Republic

Following the defeat of Emperor Palpatine in *The Rise of Skywalker*, the galaxy's political landscape remains murky. The New Republic, severely weakened after the destruction of Hosnian Prime in *The Force Awakens*, may still exist but in a diminished state. The ongoing struggle between Populists and Centrists, as depicted in *Star Wars: Bloodline*, could continue to plague the Republic's efforts to rebuild. Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still pose a threat, suggesting a power vacuum ripe for conflict. The rise of piracy, as shown in *The Mandalorian* and *Star Wars: Skeleton Crew*, could further complicate the New Republic's attempts to restore order. *Starfighter* could potentially fill the void left by Patty Jenkins' *Rogue Squadron* movie, with Gosling's character possibly playing a pivotal role in the fight to stabilize the galaxy.

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Luke Skywalker's initial efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order were tragically disrupted by Ben Solo's betrayal. While many of Luke's students perished, it's plausible that some survived, much like how not all Jedi were killed during Order 66. The current state of the Jedi five years post-*The Rise of Skywalker* is uncertain, but Rey Skywalker's mission to revive the Order, set to be explored in the upcoming *New Jedi Order* film, suggests a slow but hopeful resurgence. Whether *Starfighter* will delve into the Jedi's status largely depends on Gosling's character's connection to the Force. If he is Force-sensitive, we might see a cameo from Rey as she seeks to rally support for her cause. Otherwise, *Starfighter* could focus more on ordinary heroes, akin to *Rogue One* and *Solo: A Star Wars Story*.

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's definitive demise in *The Rise of Skywalker*, the question of the Sith's survival looms large. The Expanded Universe and *Star Wars: Legacy* comics have shown that the Sith can persist beyond Palpatine's reign. The galaxy might still harbor Dark Side practitioners, whether they call themselves Sith or not. Potential villains could include a new apprentice of Palpatine, surviving members of the Knights of Ren, or even a fallen Jedi from Luke's school. Whether *Starfighter* will explore this aspect of the Star Wars universe remains to be seen, particularly if Gosling's character is not a Jedi.

Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?

As a standalone film, *Starfighter* may not feature many familiar faces from the Sequel Trilogy, but Star Wars is known for its cameos and callbacks. Poe Dameron, the galaxy's top pilot post-Han Solo, could play a role in the New Republic's efforts to rebuild, making him a likely candidate for an appearance. Chewbacca's current activities, perhaps still alongside Rey or on new adventures, could also intersect with Gosling's character, possibly involving the iconic Millennium Falcon. Finn's journey as a leader of former Stormtroopers could tie into the film's narrative if it involves remnants of the First Order. Rey's involvement would hinge on whether Gosling's character is a Jedi. While *Starfighter* may focus on new characters and stories, the possibility of seeing beloved figures from the Sequel Trilogy adds an extra layer of excitement for fans.