The galaxy far, far away is expanding once again. A surprise sequel set after The Rise of Skywalker is reportedly in the works, and if rumors are true, it could be the fresh take the franchise needs.
Leaks suggest the upcoming film, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, will center on a new Jedi-Padawan relationship, a dynamic that hasn’t truly taken center stage in the post-prequel era. This time, it’s not just another reluctant adult thrown into a destiny—they’re going younger. Much younger.
A Post-Skywalker Era, But Not Without Skywalker DNA
After The Rise of Skywalker wrapped up the sequel trilogy in 2019, many fans assumed that era was closed for good. And honestly, some were relieved. The movie earned over $1 billion worldwide, but it also left the fandom divided, exhausted, and craving something different.
That’s where Starfighter comes in.
According to trusted scooper Daniel Richtman (via The Direct), the new film is set years after the events of Episode IX, focusing on a Jedi played by Ryan Gosling and his 15-year-old Padawan—who also happens to be his nephew. That small detail alone brings shades of the Skywalker legacy into the mix, but in a way that feels more personal than grandiose.
Another big shift? Mia Goth will reportedly join the cast, and while her exact role remains unclear, sources hint she’ll be one of several female characters with major plot relevance—including the Padawan’s mother.
Finally, a Real Padawan Story?
Let’s be honest, the last time we got a real Padawan story on the big screen, George W. Bush was still in office.
Anakin Skywalker, in The Phantom Menace, was about 9 years old when Qui-Gon Jinn discovered him on Tatooine. It was raw, it was awkward, but it was real. Since then, younger Jedi learners have mostly been relegated to animation or novels.
Luke Skywalker? Practically a grown man by the time Obi-Wan handed him a lightsaber. Rey? Same deal. Both great characters, but hardly the “young apprentice” type.
What Starfighter promises—if the leaks are to be believed—is something we haven’t seen in a long while: a fresh, vulnerable Padawan still learning who they are, under the guidance of a Jedi with his own scars.
Leaked Plot Teases a Chase, Family Drama, and Multiple Villains
Richtman’s report, while unofficial, is already stirring interest because it’s packed with classic Star Wars beats and fresh angles.
Here’s what’s been revealed so far:
Ryan Gosling plays a Jedi training his 15-year-old nephew as his Padawan.
They’re on a mission while being chased by two villains (one male, one female).
The Padawan’s mother is a key figure in the plot.
Another important female character is involved, though her role remains unclear.
That’s already more emotionally layered than most recent Star Wars films. A family dynamic at the center of a galactic mission? It sounds like a cross between The Mandalorian, Rebels, and The Empire Strikes Back—and that’s not a bad thing at all.
A Fresh Direction Under Shawn Levy’s Vision
Shawn Levy, best known for Stranger Things and Free Guy, is directing. That alone adds a layer of intrigue. He knows how to balance spectacle with emotion—something Star Wars sorely needs right now.
Levy’s involvement also suggests Lucasfilm is willing to swing the pendulum a bit. Instead of high-stakes, universe-ending drama, this could be a tighter, more personal story. Think less Death Star, more soul-searching.
A single Jedi and his young apprentice? It’s been done before, but not like this.
A Closer Look at the Timeline and Canon Implications
Here’s the interesting part: since Starfighter takes place after The Rise of Skywalker, it could set the tone for future continuity.
Where does Rey fit in? What about Finn, who seemed to be Force-sensitive in the sequels? Will this movie acknowledge the messy politics left behind by Palpatine’s return?
There’s no clear answer yet, but here’s what we do know based on Star Wars canon timeline:
| Event | Year (After Battle of Yavin – ABY) |
|---|---|
| The Rise of Skywalker | 35 ABY |
| Star Wars: Starfighter (est.) | 40 ABY+ (estimated) |
| The Mandalorian (Season 3) | 11 ABY |
| The Force Awakens | 34 ABY |
What Fans Are Saying—And Why They’re Cautiously Optimistic
Fan reaction online has been mixed, but hopeful.
Some are tired. Let’s be real—between trilogy backlash and Disney+ burnout, the Star Wars brand has taken a few dings. But others? They’re hungry. Hungry for something with emotional weight, smaller stakes, and characters they can care about without memorizing family trees.
The idea of Ryan Gosling as a Jedi has even meme potential—but in a good way. He brings stoic charm, sure, but also depth. And Mia Goth? Her roles in horror and arthouse films have made her a cult favorite. Pairing those two could bring a wildly different energy to the franchise.
And that’s what fans want. Different. But still Star Wars.
