Ryan Gosling Reveals First Look at Star Wars: Starfighter, Describes It as a Story About “A Guy From the Wrong Side of the Galaxy”

Disney has revealed the first footage from Star Wars: Starfighter, giving fans their first glimpse at Ryan Gosling’s new character and the next standalone story set in the galaxy far, far away. The reveal took place during the D23 Entertainment Showcase, where director Shawn Levy and Gosling presented details about the upcoming Star Wars movie.

Unlike previous Star Wars projects focused on the Skywalker saga, Starfighter will explore a new timeline following the events of 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Gosling leads the film alongside newcomer Flynn Gray, with the story introducing new characters and conflicts within the wider Star Wars universe.

Ryan Gosling Introduces His New Star Wars Character Kade

During the D23 presentation, Gosling revealed that he plays Kade, a character he described as

“a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy whose fate is intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built.”

The first footage showed Gosling’s character encountering Flynn Gray’s character after discovering the mysterious spacecraft. In the scene, Kade warns him about interfering with the ship before explaining its importance.

When Gray’s character says he has never heard of the starfighter, Gosling’s Kade replies,

“There’s a reason for that.”

The preview also featured large-scale action sequences, including dramatic space battles, ships moving across the water and the kind of adventurous tone traditionally associated with the Star Wars franchise.

Director Shawn Levy told fans that Star Wars: Starfighter will capture the franchise’s core themes while exploring an unfamiliar era. Levy said the movie

“embodies themes of hope and family and adventure” but takes place in “a timeline never explored.”

Star Wars: Starfighter Expands Beyond the Skywalker Era

The upcoming movie represents a major step toward expanding the Star Wars universe with original characters and stories. While details about the plot remain limited, Disney has confirmed that the film will not directly continue the Skywalker family storyline.

Gosling previously praised Levy’s approach when the film was announced at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo. The actor said the script had

“a great story with great and original characters”

and described the project as being filled with “heart and adventure.”

The film features an impressive supporting cast, including Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings and Amy Adams.

Star Wars: Starfighter marks another major collaboration between Gosling and Levy, who are also working together on Marvel’s upcoming Ghost Rider movie. However, the Star Wars project will arrive first, with its theatrical release scheduled for May 28, 2027.