When Does 'Star Wars: Starfighter' Take Place? Director Reveals and Shares Plot Details

The first trailer for Star Wars: Starfighter was shown exclusively during D23 Expo, and shortly afterward, director Shawn Levy spoke with Fandango and took the opportunity to reveal new details about the story. Watch below!

According to Levy, the film will be set five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, in a period that has not yet been explored in the franchise’s films. During that time, the galaxy will be going through a moment of great instability following the fall of the First Order. 

There will be no central government controlling the different territories, leaving the inhabitants in the midst of chaos. “It’s a moment in the galaxy when there is no real governing authority or order,” the director explained.

The plot will follow Kade Auberon, the character played by Ryan Gosling, a man of humble origins who lives in a marginalized region of the galaxy. He ends up embarking on an adventure when his destiny crosses paths with a young character played by Flynn Gray and the fastest starfighter ever built.

For Levy, the new production also represents an opportunity to explore a different side of the franchise. “Starfighter embodies the themes of hope, family, and adventure that have always been at the heart of Star Wars,” he said. At the same time, the director emphasized that the story takes place in a time period never shown before and that it was a privilege to be able to create and explore this new era of the galaxy.

The director also described the feature as a character-driven adventure, without leaving aside humor, danger, and major action sequences. “It’s a Star Wars story firmly rooted in character,” Levy said, adding that the film will have the “humor, danger, spectacle, and spirit of joy” that have defined the franchise’s 50 years. Among other films, the inspiration came from The Outsiders, by Francis Ford Coppola, and from Star Wars’ own adventure tradition.

In addition to Gosling and Flynn, the cast includes names such as Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre and Amy Adams. Smith is expected to play the main antagonist, although character details have not yet been revealed.

The screenplay is by Jonathan Tropper, who has already worked with Levy on other projects.

Starfighter opens in theaters on May 28, 2027.