Shawn Levy Brings Classic Family Ties to Star Wars: Starfighter
Director Shawn Levy teases a return to the saga’s roots with a fresh take on a father-son relationship in Star Wars: Starfighter, set for release in May 2027.
Shawn Levy, the bloke at the helm of the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, has opened up about the direction he’s taking with the next chapter in the legendary space saga. While details have been kept under wraps, Levy has let slip that the film will centre on a family bond that’s been a staple of the franchise since the early days. This time, punters can expect a story built around a father and son, echoing the dynamic that made the original trilogy so memorable.
In a recent yarn with The New York Times, Levy shared a bit about what it’s like to steer a Star Wars project in today’s world. Chosen by Lucasfilm and Disney from a long list of directors, he admitted the job comes with its fair share of nerves.
‘My 10-year-old self is on set with me every day. That’s how I make films,’
he said, hinting at the pressure and excitement that comes with the gig.
Returning to the Franchise’s Roots
Levy kept his cards close to his chest when it came to the plot, but he did confirm that the heart of the story is a father-son relationship, much like the one between Luke and Anakin Skywalker. Fans have been buzzing about whether Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray will play the central pair, but Levy wasn’t giving anything away on that front.
His appointment as director has sparked a bit of debate among fans, with some keen and others a bit sceptical. Still, Levy’s track record speaks for itself. He’s moved on from family comedies to tackle a range of genres, including sci-fi and thrillers. His work on big-name projects like Stranger Things, Arrival, and The Boogeyman has shown he’s got the chops to handle a blockbuster of this scale.
Behind the Scenes and Cast
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has thrown her support behind Levy, pointing out that his background in family comedies is a real asset.
‘Family comedies are tough to pull off, and Shawn’s experience makes him the right choice to take Star Wars to the next level,’
she said. Levy isn’t just directing—he’s also producing the film alongside Kennedy.
The cast is shaping up to be a strong one, with Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, Flynn Gray, and Amy Adams all on board. While the exact roles are still under wraps, the line-up has got fans talking and speculating about how the story will unfold.
Marking a Milestone for the Franchise
Star Wars: Starfighter is set to hit cinemas on 28 May 2027, lining up with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas’s original space opera. The timing isn’t lost on anyone, and there’s a sense that this film could be a real moment for the franchise, bringing things full circle with a nod to its roots.
Classified as a blend of fantasy, action, and sci-fi, Starfighter promises to deliver the kind of adventure and emotional punch that’s kept locals and fans around the world coming back for more. With Levy at the wheel and a top-notch cast, expectations are running high for what’s next in a galaxy far, far away.