Fans already know that stepping into the Star Wars universe comes with a lot of history, a lot of expectations, and usually a long list of continuity rules that filmmakers have to juggle. But for Shawn Levy, who is directing the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, the experience has turned out to be completely different.
Instead of being handed a labyrinth of requirements, he received one simple instruction and it shaped the entire project.
During an appearance on The Business podcast with Kim Masters, Levy opened up about what it has been like crafting his first Star Wars movie and how Lucasfilm has handled his creative process.
As it turns out, the studio wanted him to avoid repeating anything fans had already seen.
“There is no mandate or interference other than the constant encouragement, ‘Make this new.’ And that’s the truth.
“Every time I’ve asked, ‘Should I use this character that was maybe in that movie?’ Every time it’s, ‘You know what? People have seen that. Do something new.’”
That approach set the tone for Starfighter, which is built entirely around original characters and fresh story ideas from Levy and screenwriter Jonathan Tropper. For a franchise so tied to legacy storytelling, Levy noted that this level of freedom has been a rare luxury in his career.
“So far, I’ve had more freedom on this movie: it’s equal to any other movie I’ve made, including the original movies like Free Guy and The Adam Project, where it was based on no legacy. So, so far, it’s very, very liberating.”
The movie stars Ryan Gosling as a protector assigned to safeguard a young boy played by Flynn Gray, anchoring a new corner of the galaxy set five years after The Rise of Skywalker.
The cast also includes Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams, all joining Levy’s original vision for this new story.
Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter is currently underway, and with Lucasfilm pushing for fresh ideas instead of relying on legacy characters, this movie will stand apart from anything the franchise has done before.
Star Wars: Starfighter blasts into theaters on May 28, 2027.
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