‘starfighter’ Director Shawn Levy Confirms New ‘star Wars’ Movie Isn’t a Prequel or Sequel [exclusive]

Key Highlights

  • Shawn Levy directs the upcoming “Star Wars” movie titled “Starfighter,” which is set for release on May 28, 2027.
  • The film will be a fresh entry into the Star Wars franchise and will not be a prequel or sequel to existing films.
  • Levy emphasizes that the new movie aims to offer something innovative with a “spirit of play” and moments of levity similar to the original “Star Wars.”
  • The film features an ensemble cast including Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, Amy Adams, among others, and is set several years after The Rise of Skywalker.

Shawn Levy’s Vision for ‘Starfighter’

Director Shawn Levy, best known for films like “Date Night” and “The Nut Job,” has been entrusted with the challenging task of bringing a new Star Wars movie to theaters. This marks his first venture into the iconic franchise since directing “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.” With the release date set for May 28, 2027, “Starfighter” is poised to captivate audiences eager for fresh storytelling within the vast Star Wars universe.

Breaking New Ground in ‘Starfighter’

In an exclusive interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Levy confirmed that his new film will not follow a prequel or sequel narrative. “It’s different because it is an all-new non-sequel, non-prequel adventure,” he stated, highlighting the project’s focus on introducing new characters and themes.

Levy further elaborated on his approach to the film: “We’re really trying to sort of take that tone as a North Star every day. My crew, my DP, Claudio Miranda, Gosling is my kind of central collaborator in the lead role.” This collaboration with cinematographer Claudio Miranda underscores Levy’s commitment to both maintaining the spirit of the original “Star Wars” while also innovating.

Collaboration and Innovation

The director praised Miranda, calling him “a huge gift to a Star Wars movie.” According to Levy, Miranda is not only an artist but also brings a unique innovative approach to filmmaking. “Claudio is — I call him the Professor because he loves the nerdy figuring out of prep,” stated Levy, highlighting Miranda’s expertise in camera design and lens selection.

Miranda’s contributions are particularly significant given his previous collaborations on films like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “F1.” His ability to place actors in action sequences in a subjective and participatory manner is seen as crucial for the success of “Starfighter.”

Future Prospects for ‘Starfighter’

“Starfighter,” which stars Ryan Gosling alongside Matt Smith, Flynn Gray, Amy Adams, and other notable actors, aims to provide something new and fresh to Star Wars fans. Set several years after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” the film promises to offer a thrilling sci-fi adventure with moments of levity.

Levy’s vision for the film is to bring a playfulness and heart into the narrative, much like the original “Star Wars” did in its revolutionary way. This approach is expected to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences entering the Star Wars universe.

Stranger Things Season 5: A Side Note

In a related note, the fifth season of the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things” will premiere on November 26. The show’s return is eagerly anticipated by fans following the dramatic events of its previous seasons.

The collaboration between “Starfighter” and “Stranger Things,” both produced under the Lucasfilm banner, highlights the continued relevance and creativity within the Star Wars franchise. As Levy prepares for his new film, he remains grounded in the legacy themes of the original while pushing boundaries with a fresh perspective.