Ryan Gosling's Standalone Star Wars: Starfighter

Ryan Gosling Leads a New Era in Star Wars

The Star Wars universe is expanding beyond the Skywalker Saga with Ryan Gosling starring in the upcoming standalone film Star Wars: Starfighter. Directed by Shawn Levy (Stranger Things, Free Guy), the project promises a fresh take on the iconic franchise, avoiding familiar themes while introducing new characters and adventures.

A Fresh Musical Direction

In a significant departure from tradition, Starfighter will feature original compositions by Emmy-winning composer Thomas Newman. Known for his work on Finding Nemo, Skyfall, and The Shawshank Redemption, Newman will create a "klassiek geïnspireerd" score that deliberately avoids remixes of John Williams' classic themes.

"It will not be remixes of Williams' cues," stated Levy. "It can be inspired by some of them, but I knew I needed a large-scale, emotional score from a composer who, like John Williams, doesn't shy away from themes."

Thomas Newman, Emmy-winning composer of Star Wars: Starfighter - Image from https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.E7x6T5p5HMLbRihXaFXPegAAAA?pid=Api

New Characters, New Era

Set five years after Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker, Starfighter introduces Gosling as a new protagonist alongside his teenage nephew, played by Flynn Gray. The cast also features Matt Smith (Doctor Who) and Mia Goth (X) as villains, with Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners) in a supporting role.

The film's plot remains under wraps, but Levy emphasized its standalone nature: "This is a new adventure. It plays in a period we haven't explored before." Production began in August 2025, with set photos revealing Gosling and Gray on a landspeeder-like vehicle and a sci-fi raft, hinting at space-western aesthetics.

A Standalone Vision

As Lucasfilm expands beyond the Skywalker Saga, Starfighter represents a strategic shift toward focused, self-contained stories. Gosling's involvement adds A-list star power to a project that prioritizes originality over nostalgia.

"We're building a new corner of the galaxy," Levy noted. "It's not a prequel, not a sequel. It's its own thing." This approach allows creative freedom while honoring the franchise's legacy through innovative world-building.

Director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling on the Starfighter set - Image from https://www.themovieblog.com/2025/12/shawn-levy-reveals-the-story-behind-two-star-wars-starfighter-photos/

Anticipation and Release

With filming underway and a release date set for May 28, 2027, Starfighter is poised to redefine Star Wars storytelling. The collaboration between Gosling, Levy, and Newman signals a bold new chapter for the franchise—one that prioritizes emotional depth and artistic innovation.

Fans eager for fresh perspectives in the galaxy far, far away can look forward to this standalone adventure, which promises to deliver both the epic scope and intimate character moments that define the Star Wars legacy.