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

The biggest news from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Deadpool & Wolverine's Shawn Levy is set to direct Star Wars: Starfighter, a new standalone, live-action film starring Ryan Gosling. Scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, following the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026, Starfighter promises to be an exciting addition to the Star Wars saga. The film will commence production this fall and is set five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, marking it as the furthest point in the Star Wars timeline to be explored in film or series to date.

Despite the excitement, details about the plot of Starfighter remain scarce. However, Lucasfilm has confirmed that the movie takes place in the period following The Rise of Skywalker, a time about which we know relatively little. While the specifics of this era are not well-documented in current Star Wars lore, we can make educated guesses based on the ending of The Rise of Skywalker and insights from the pre-Disney Legends universe. Let's delve into the key questions left open by The Rise of Skywalker and consider how Starfighter might address them.

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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 released for the PS2 and Xbox in the early 2000s. The original Star Wars: Starfighter game, released in 2001, and its sequel Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, released in 2002, focused on different periods of the Star Wars timeline. The first game is set during Episode I, showcasing pilots during the Battle of Naboo, while Jedi Starfighter takes place during Episode II, featuring Jedi Master Adi Gallia and pirate Nym. Given the significant time gap between these games and the upcoming movie, it's unlikely that Starfighter will directly adapt their plots. However, the film might draw inspiration from Jedi Starfighter's unique ship-to-ship combat featuring Force powers. If Gosling's character is both a Jedi and a skilled pilot, this could add an exciting element to the movie's action sequences.

The Fate of the New Republic

The Rise of Skywalker concludes with the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Sith Eternal, but it leaves the state of the galaxy post-Battle of Exegol ambiguous. The fate of the New Republic, severely weakened by the First Order's destruction of Hosnian Prime in The Force Awakens, remains uncertain. The Sequel Trilogy largely focuses on the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order, leaving the New Republic's status unclear. By the time of Starfighter, it's possible that the New Republic persists but is significantly weakened, struggling with internal conflicts between Populists and Centrists as seen in Star Wars: Bloodline. Additionally, remnants of the First Order might still be present, rallying around a new leader in the power vacuum left by Kylo Ren's demise. This setting offers a ripe backdrop for the epic space battles and power struggles that are hallmarks of the Star Wars franchise. Furthermore, the rise of piracy, as depicted in The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, could also play a significant role in the chaotic post-Empire galaxy.

Given its standalone nature, Starfighter might not establish a new overarching conflict like the Rebellion vs. Empire or Resistance vs. First Order. Instead, it could focus on the aftermath of The Rise of Skywalker, with Gosling's character potentially playing a role in restoring order or defending a world from threats in the absence of strong Republic protection. This could position Starfighter as a spiritual successor to Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron movie, with Gosling's character possibly being a former First Order trooper like Finn.

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Luke Skywalker's attempt to rebuild the Jedi Order was thwarted by the destruction of his temple by Ben Solo, who became Kylo Ren. Many Jedi students died, and Luke retreated to Ahch-To. However, not all Jedi were likely killed, raising questions about the current state of the Jedi Order. Ahsoka Tano, whose voice was heard among the Force ghosts in The Rise of Skywalker, might still be active, as hinted by Dave Filoni. Rey Skywalker, meanwhile, is set to continue Luke's legacy in the upcoming New Jedi Order movie, which takes place 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, a decade after Starfighter.

Whether Starfighter will explore the Jedi Order's state might depend on Gosling's character's Force sensitivity. If he is a Jedi, Rey might appear to mentor him, but if not, Starfighter could focus on non-Jedi heroes, similar to Rogue One and Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's definitive death in The Rise of Skywalker, the question of the Sith's persistence looms large. The Expanded Universe and Star Wars: Legacy comics suggest that the Sith and Dark Side threats can reemerge. Even if the Sith as an order might be gone, individuals or groups like the Knights of Ren or other Dark Side practitioners could still pose a threat. Whether Starfighter will delve into this depends on its narrative focus, particularly if Gosling's character isn't a Jedi.

Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?

Star Wars: Starfighter introduces a new lead character, but the franchise's tradition of cameos and callbacks suggests that familiar faces could appear. Poe Dameron, a skilled pilot and hero of the Resistance, could be involved in rebuilding efforts, making him a likely candidate for a role in Starfighter. Chewbacca might also return, possibly alongside Gosling's character in the Millennium Falcon. Finn's potential involvement could tie into any conflict with First Order remnants, while Rey's appearance would depend on the film's focus on the Jedi. These cameos would not only excite fans but also provide continuity and depth to the evolving Star Wars universe.

For more on the future of the Star Wars franchise, explore why Lucasfilm needs to stop announcing movies and just make them, and stay updated on every Star Wars movie and series in development.