"Star Wars: Starfighter - Plot and Timeline Revealed"

The biggest highlight from Star Wars Celebration 2025 was undoubtedly the announcement that Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine, will be directing the new standalone film, *Star Wars: Starfighter*. This live-action feature, starring Ryan Gosling, is slated to follow 2026's *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, with production kicking off this fall and a release date set for May 28, 2027. Set approximately five years after the events of *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*, *Starfighter* will take us further along the Star Wars timeline than any previous movie or series, promising fresh narratives and unexplored territories in the galaxy far, far away.

While the plot details for *Starfighter* remain under wraps, the setting itself opens up a myriad of possibilities. This period of Star Wars lore is largely uncharted, providing a canvas for new stories. As we reflect on the conclusion of *The Rise of Skywalker* and consider the pre-Disney Legends universe, we can begin to piece together what might be in store for fans.

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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 from the early 2000s. The original game, released in 2001, and its sequel, *Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter* from 2002, were set during the prequel era, focusing on different pilots and their adventures. However, the new movie, set decades later, is unlikely to draw directly from these games' plots. Yet, the film might adopt elements like the ship-to-ship combat seen in *Jedi Starfighter*, which notably incorporated Force powers into the gameplay. This could hint at Gosling's character being both a Jedi and a skilled pilot, adding an exciting layer to the action sequences.

The Fate of the New Republic

Following the victory over Emperor Palpatine in *The Rise of Skywalker*, the galaxy's state remains a mystery. The New Republic, severely weakened by the First Order's attack on Hosnian Prime in *The Force Awakens*, could still exist but in a diminished capacity. The internal strife between Populists and Centrists, as depicted in *Star Wars: Bloodline*, might continue to hinder its recovery. Additionally, remnants of the First Order could still be a threat, much like the Imperial Remnant after the Battle of Endor. The era of *Starfighter* could be marked by a power struggle, ripe for epic space battles, and perhaps Gosling's character will be a New Republic pilot striving to restore order. Alternatively, he could be a local hero defending his world or even a former First Order trooper seeking redemption.

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Luke Skywalker's attempt to rebuild the Jedi Order was tragically cut short by Ben Solo's turn to the dark side, leading to the destruction of the Jedi Temple. While many Jedi were killed, it's conceivable that some survived, much like after Order 66. The status of Ahsoka Tano during this period remains unclear, though her voice was heard among the Force ghosts at the end of *The Rise of Skywalker*. Rey Skywalker's mission to restore the Jedi, set to be explored in a future film, is a decade after *Starfighter*. Whether *Starfighter* will address the Jedi's current state depends on Gosling's character's connection to the Force. If he's Force-sensitive, we might see a cameo from Rey; if not, the film might focus more on ordinary heroes, similar to *Rogue One* and *Solo: A Star Wars Story*.

Are the Sith Still Around?

With Palpatine's final defeat in *The Rise of Skywalker*, the question of the Sith's survival lingers. The Expanded Universe suggests that even after Palpatine, new Sith Lords emerged. The galaxy could still be threatened by dark side users, whether they claim the Sith title or not. The Rule of Two, emphasized in the prequels, was challenged by other dark side factions during the Clone Wars. *Starfighter* might explore new villains emerging in the power vacuum, but this would likely hinge on the film's focus on the Jedi or the Force.

Could Poe Dameron or Other Sequel Trilogy Characters Return?

As a standalone film, *Starfighter* might not feature many familiar faces, but Star Wars is known for its cameos. Poe Dameron, the galaxy's top pilot post-Han Solo, could play a role in the New Republic's reconstruction efforts, making him a likely candidate for a cameo. Chewbacca, Rey's former co-pilot, might also return, perhaps even flying alongside Gosling's character in the Millennium Falcon. Finn, with his connection to former Stormtroopers, could be involved if the film delves into First Order remnants. Rey's appearance would depend on whether Gosling's character is a Jedi, but given Lucasfilm's plans for her, her involvement in *Starfighter* remains uncertain.

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 making movies rather than just announcing them, and stay updated on every Star Wars movie and series currently in development.