Filmmaker Shawn Levy, known for his work on blockbusters like 'Deadpool and Wolverine' and the popular series 'Stranger Things,' is now at the helm of a major new installment in the Star Wars universe: 'Starfighter.' This highly anticipated space adventure, starring Ryan Gosling, is slated to blast into theaters on May 28, 2027.

Levy shared insights into how 'Star Wars: Starfighter' will carve out its own unique space within the beloved franchise. He emphasized that the film will be an all-new, non-sequel, non-prequel adventure, introducing new characters and a fresh timeline. While it will inherit legacy themes, the primary goal is to offer both long-time Star Wars fans and general movie audiences something truly fresh and new. Levy described the film as embodying a spirit of play and big-hearted adventure, with moments of real levity, reminiscent of the revolutionary tone found in 'A New Hope.'

The director highlighted the collaborative efforts with his team, particularly singling out Ryan Gosling, who takes on the central lead role, and cinematographer Claudio Miranda. Miranda, celebrated for his work on films like 'Life of Pi' and 'Top Gun: Maverick,' is lauded by Levy as a significant asset to 'Starfighter.' Levy affectionately calls Miranda "the Professor" due to his meticulous and innovative approach to prep, including designing custom camera platforms and pioneering new ways of using lenses and formats. This rigor in innovative thinking is expected to visually break new ground and deliver a visceral, kinetic cinematic experience, akin to Miranda's ability to immerse viewers directly into the action, as seen in 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'F1.'

'Starfighter' marks a significant milestone as the first Star Wars movie since 1977 that is not a sequel, prequel, or spin-off. The ensemble cast includes Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams. While specific plot details remain closely guarded, it is confirmed that the story will be set several years after the events of 'The Rise of Skywalker,' following the presumed final defeat of the First Order and Palpatine's Sith Cult. The film is penned by Jonathan Tropper and George Lucas, and produced by Shawn Levy and Kathleen Kennedy, falling under the genres of Fantasy, Action, and Sci-Fi.

In addition to his work on 'Starfighter,' Shawn Levy also provided updates on the upcoming fifth and final season of Netflix's 'Stranger Things.' Following the cataclysmic events of season four, Hawkins, Indiana, is depicted as being torn apart by dimensional rifts originating from the Upside Down, caused by the formidable antagonist Vecna. Max (Sadie Sink) is left in a coma after a psychic confrontation with the villain. The final season sees the beloved heroes, who were previously divided across Hawkins, California, and a desolate Russian gulag, finally reunited and prepared to confront Vecna once and for all. The first four episodes of 'Stranger Things' Season 5 are scheduled to premiere on Netflix on November 26.