The galaxy far, far away is about to get a new pilot at the helm. After swirling rumors and eager anticipation, Lucasfilm has officially confirmed that Ryan Gosling will star in a new Star Wars installment titled "Star Wars: Starfighter," with Shawn Levy of "Deadpool & Wolverine" fame directing the project. This exciting announcement, made at the annual Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo, sent waves of excitement through the Star Wars fandom, promising a fresh and standalone adventure set in the vast universe created by George Lucas.

The film, slated for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027, is eyeing a fall production start, marking a significant moment for the franchise as it ventures into uncharted territory. "Starfighter" is set roughly five years after the events of "Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker," which concluded the Skywalker saga, promising a glimpse into a post-sequel era of the Star Wars timeline.

The announcement was met with enthusiasm from both Gosling and Levy, who appeared at the Star Wars Celebration event to tease the project. Gosling, sporting a cap that read, "Never tell me the odds," playfully acknowledged the spirit of the franchise. He expressed his inspiration from the fans, stating, "Being here and seeing all of you [makes it] more inspiring to do it. There’s so much creativity and imagination in this room and there’s so much love...The force is a mysterious thing, but, as I’m here, the force is the fans. All we can hope for is, 'May the fans be with us.'"

Levy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their deep connection to the Star Wars universe as fans themselves: "We’re fans too...There’s obviously a relationship between these stories and the audience, but we’ve spent our lives in that audience. We know how meaningful it is."

"Starfighter" is poised to be a standalone film, focusing on new characters and storylines within the Star Wars universe. Levy has emphasized that this project is neither a prequel nor a sequel but a completely singular adventure, offering a fresh perspective on the galaxy far, far away. This approach allows the filmmakers to explore new narrative avenues without being constrained by existing storylines or character arcs.

The film's setting, five years after "The Rise of Skywalker," is particularly intriguing. This timeline opens up exciting possibilities for exploring the political landscape, the state of the Jedi Order (or lack thereof), and the emergence of new threats and alliances in the galaxy. It provides a blank canvas for Levy and his team to craft a unique and compelling story that expands the Star Wars lore in meaningful ways.

Gosling's involvement marks a notable departure for the actor, who has typically shied away from large franchises. While he has appeared in established properties like "Blade Runner 2049," "Star Wars: Starfighter" represents a new level of engagement with a globally recognized and beloved franchise. His presence is expected to draw in a wider audience, further amplifying the film's potential impact.

"Starfighter" is written by Jonathan Tropper, who previously collaborated with Levy on "The Adam Project" and "This Is Where I Leave You." Tropper's involvement suggests that the film will likely blend action, adventure, and heartfelt character moments, a combination that has proven successful in Levy's previous directorial efforts. Plot details remain tightly guarded, though unconfirmed rumors suggest a story involving a Jedi and a Padawan, pursued by villains.

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, has also reassured fans that other Star Wars projects are still in development, including films by James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Taika Waititi, and a trilogy by Simon Kinberg. This announcement signals Lucasfilm's commitment to expanding the Star Wars universe across multiple platforms and mediums.

The timeline for upcoming Star Wars movies is becoming clearer, with "The Mandalorian & Grogu" set to release on May 22, 2026, followed by "Star Wars: Starfighter" on May 28, 2027. This cadence suggests that fans can expect a regular stream of Star Wars content in the coming years, alternating between theatrical releases and streaming series on Disney+.

As anticipation builds for "Star Wars: Starfighter," the promise of a standalone adventure with new characters, coupled with the talents of Ryan Gosling and Shawn Levy, has ignited excitement within the Star Wars community. With its release strategically timed for the 50th anniversary of "A New Hope", "Star Wars: Starfighter" could very well be a surprise hit.