First Look at Ryan Gosling in Star Wars: Starfighter Channels Ultimate Star Wars Vibes

Ryan Gosling Channels Classic Star Wars Energy in First Look at Starfighter

The galaxy far, far away is expanding once again this time with a fresh face at its core. The first official image from Star Wars: Starfighter has been released, showing Ryan Gosling and newcomer Flynn Gray seated atop a retro-style landspeeder in a moody, black-and-white shot that instantly evokes classic Star Wars nostalgia. Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine, Stranger Things), the standalone film promises a bold new story, set five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. However, don’t expect Jedi temples or Skywalker bloodlines Starfighter is all about new faces, new stakes, and a new corner of the universe.

Gosling plays a mysterious, battle-hardened pilot tasked with protecting his young protégé, portrayed by Flynn Gray, from looming galactic threats. This mentor-mentee dynamic, reportedly filled with emotional weight and intense action, forms the heart of the narrative. Amy Adams is set to play Gray’s on-screen mother, while Matt Smith and Mia Goth are rumored to play antagonists. The film also stars Aaron Pierre, Jamael Westman, Simon Bird, and Daniel Ings, rounding out a strong ensemble cast that suggests a balance of drama and adventure.

Levy has described the opportunity to direct a Star Wars movie as “a childhood dream come true,” and he's promised fans a “visually stunning, emotionally rich” experience that stands apart from previous entries. He’s working alongside writer Jonathan Tropper, with whom he previously collaborated on The Adam Project, ensuring a mix of character-driven storytelling and high-octane spectacle. Gosling, for his part, reflected on his lifelong love for the franchise, recalling how Star Wars inspired his passion for film as a child.

Currently filming in the UK, Star Wars: Starfighter is slated for release on May 28, 2027, positioning it as the next big cinematic installment following The Mandalorian & Grogu in 2026. As the first Star Wars film in nearly eight years to explore a new narrative path, Starfighter marks a significant pivot for Lucasfilm one that could redefine the franchise’s future while honoring its storied past. With a grounded story, original characters, and a stunning visual style, the Force may once again awaken just in an entirely new way.