‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Casts Matt Smith as Villain Opposite Ryan Gosling

The galaxy’s anticipation just hit lightspeed. At Star Wars Celebration 2025, Lucasfilm dropped explosive details about its next cinematic venture—Star Wars: Starfighter—confirming Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, and Mia Goth as leads. Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine), this standalone film marks a bold new chapter set after The Rise of Skywalker, thrilling fans with fresh faces and uncharted narratives.

What Can Fans Expect from Star Wars: Starfighter?

Scheduled for release on May 28, 2027, Star Wars: Starfighter unfolds years after the Skywalker saga’s conclusion. Director Shawn Levy emphasized this isn’t a sequel but an original story with “all the heart, action, and fun” of Star Wars, featuring entirely new characters. The plot remains tightly guarded, but Levy’s collaboration with screenwriter Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project) promises dynamic character-driven storytelling. Industry analysts note this shift toward standalone tales could revitalize the franchise, appealing to both longtime enthusiasts and new audiences.

The film’s development follows Disney’s strategy to expand the Star Wars universe beyond legacy characters. As Levy stated at Celebration: “There are so many opportunities to tell a Star Wars story that’s new and original.” With production starting Fall 2025, early buzz suggests high-stakes dogfights and morally complex heroes—themes Levy mastered in Free Guy and The Adam Project.

Who Joins the Star Wars: Starfighter Cast?

The Star Wars: Starfighter cast blends A-list talent and rising stars:

• Ryan Gosling as the undisclosed lead, addressing initial fan skepticism by praising the saga’s community: “The force is the fans. All we can hope for is, ‘May the fans be with us.’”
• Matt Smith (House of the Dragon) as the primary villain, marking his first major antagonist role in a blockbuster.
• Mia Goth (MaXXXine) in a mysterious pivotal role, fueling speculation about her alignment.

Casting director Lucy Bevan (Oppenheimer) prioritized actors with dramatic depth and blockbuster experience. Smith’s casting, in particular, excites fans given his proven versatility in morally ambiguous roles. No trailer has been publicly released, but a 20-second teaser revealed at Celebration confirmed the 2027 date and title.

When and Where to Watch Star Wars: Starfighter

Star Wars: Starfighter will debut exclusively in theaters on May 28, 2027. Disney confirmed streaming will follow on Disney+, likely 45-60 days post-theatrical run, aligning with recent releases like The Marvels. For now, fans can revisit the timeline via The Rise of Skywalker (2019) on Disney+ to contextualize the new era.

Levy’s vision aims to balance nostalgia with innovation. As Paramount’s Top Gun: Maverick proved, aerial combat narratives resonate powerfully—a synergy Starfighter could leverage. With Gosling’s charisma, Smith’s intensity, and Levy’s action pedigree, the film is poised to dominate 2027’s summer box office.

Must Know

What role will Matt Smith play in Star Wars: Starfighter?
Smith portrays the main villain, though his character’s name and motives remain secret. His casting follows acclaimed performances in House of the Dragon and Doctor Who, suggesting a complex, layered antagonist.

Is Ryan Gosling’s character a Jedi?
No details about Gosling’s role have been revealed. Levy emphasized the story introduces “entirely new characters,” distancing it from Jedi/Sith lore.

How does Starfighter connect to previous Star Wars films?
Set years after The Rise of Skywalker, it’s a standalone story. It may reference galactic events but won’t continue Rey or Kylo Ren’s arcs.

Will Daisy Ridley appear in Starfighter?
No. Ridley’s upcoming film focuses on Rey’s New Jedi Order, separate from Starfighter’s narrative.

When will the trailer release?
A full trailer isn’t expected until late 2026, after filming wraps.

Could Starfighter launch a new trilogy?
Possibly. Disney seeks sustainable new arcs, and Levy’s proven franchise success (Night at the Museum) makes him a strategic choice for long-term storytelling.

Star Wars: Starfighter isn’t just a movie—it’s a gateway to uncharted corners of a beloved universe. With Gosling’s star power, Smith’s menace, and Levy’s inventive direction, this 2027 release promises to reignite the Force for a new generation. Bookmark this page for updates, and prepare for hyperspace.