Shawn Levy’s “Star Wars: Starfighter” Inspired by Return of the Jedi | Cast, Release Date & Details

Alright, let’s punch it. When directors get handed the keys to a new “Star Wars” project, they usually play it safe. They’ll tell you their biggest inspiration is “A New Hope” or, if they’re feeling edgy, “The Empire Strikes Back.” It makes sense, right? One is the undeniable classic, the other is the dark, gritty masterpiece. But Shawn Levy, the director helming the upcoming “Star Wars: Starfighter,” is throwing us a curveball, and honestly, it’s the most exciting thing I’ve heard about this movie yet.

Shawn Levy’s Inspiration

During a chat with Kevin McCarthy, Levy dropped a bombshell that has me more hyped for “Starfighter” than a Wookiee on Life Day. He revealed that his primary source of inspiration isn’t the usual suspects. Instead, he’s looking at the most divisive entry of the original trilogy: “Return of the Jedi.” My jaw just about hit the floor.

“Let me tell you something,” Levy explained, with the kind of energy you’d expect from the guy who directed “Deadpool & Wolverine.” He acknowledged that everyone keeps asking which “Star Wars” film “Starfighter” will feel like. “If I’m being honest,” he confessed, “I know the cool answer would be Empire, and sort of the inarguable answer would be A New Hope, but it’s kinda Jedi.”

Yes, you read that right. “Return of the Jedi.” The movie with the teddy bears. The one that gave us a second Death Star. The one that, for years, was considered the “soft” entry after the gut-punch of “Empire.” And Levy’s reason for this choice is what really sells it.

Why “Return of the Jedi” is Guiding “Starfighter”

Levy’s connection to “Jedi” is deeply personal, and that’s what makes this so compelling. He elaborated, “It’s Jedi because of the combination of theme, levity, adventure, heart, spectacle. Somehow, that movie just got it right for me.” This hits home for so many of us who grew up with “Star Wars.” While film school snobs might scoff, “Jedi” delivered pure, unadulterated cinematic joy. It had thrilling space battles, emotional depth with Luke and Vader, and a sense of fun that “Star Wars” should never lose.

Levy even shared a heartfelt anecdote about his experience making “Starfighter,” saying, “I will tell you… there’s moments where I’m on set, and I feel like that kid is with me, in the director’s chair. Like I’m there making his dream come true.” Man, if that doesn’t give you chills, you might be a droid. That’s the kind of passion we need behind a “Star Wars” movie, someone who remembers the magic of seeing it for the first time as a kid. The “Starfighter” project is clearly in good hands.

A New Look at a Polarizing Classic

Look, my relationship with “Return of the Jedi” has been a rollercoaster. As a kid, it was everything. The speeder bikes on Endor, the massive starfighter battle, Luke’s green lightsaber, it was pure spectacle. Then, as a moody teenager, I turned on it. The Ewoks felt silly, and another Death Star seemed lazy. But now, as an adult, I’ve come full circle. The film’s heart and sense of adventure are undeniable. It’s a story about hope, redemption, and ridiculously cute killer bears, and it’s awesome. The fact that Shawn Levy sees that same magic and wants to bring that spirit to “Star Wars: Starfighter” is fantastic news.

Who’s Flying This ‘Starfighter’?

The cast for “Starfighter” is absolutely stacked, which only adds to the excitement. Ryan Gosling, fresh off “The Fall Guy,” is leading the charge. Joining him is a killer lineup including Flynn Gray from “Wednesday,” Matt Smith, the ever-intriguing Mia Goth from “Pearl,” Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, and the legendary Amy Adams. This isn’t just a movie, it’s an event. Levy also revealed that the incredible Thomas Newman, known for his work on “American Beauty,” will be composing the score. The combination of Levy’s vision and this level of talent has my expectations soaring higher than an X-wing.

“Star Wars: Starfighter” is shaping up to be a truly fun adventure, a return to the “Star Wars” that’s about spectacle and heart. The film is scheduled to blast into theaters on May 28, 2027, and I, for one, will be first in line.