Shawn Levy, the director of the anticipated film Star Wars: Starfighter, recently shared which film from the original Star Wars series has influenced his upcoming project the most. The revelation, featuring lead actor Ryan Gosling, might catch many by surprise. Though the movie was unveiled to the public in April 2025, specific details about its plot are still kept secret.
When speaking on the On Film…with Kevin McCarthy podcast, Levy was cautious about giving away too much detail. However, he disclosed that Starfighter draws heavy inspiration from Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983):
“Honestly, everyone asks ‘Which Star Wars movie does Starfighter resemble the most? What inspired it the most?’ While the trendy answer might be Empire, and the undeniable one might be A New Hope, for me, it’s actually Jedi.”
Levy elaborated on why Return of the Jedi was such an essential influence, stating that the film achieved an ideal blend of various elements. Here’s more from Levy:
“It’s Jedi due to its mix of themes, light-heartedness, adventure, emotional depth, and visual spectacle. That film just nailed it for me. I watched it in theaters more than New Hope and Empire combined, and it really stuck with me. There are times I’m directing on set, and I feel like that young boy in me is right there in the director’s chair, helping to fulfill his dream.”
While Return of the Jedi is generally well-received, it’s often ranked after A New Hope (1977) and Empire Strikes Back (1980). Given Levy’s previous work, it’s less surprising that he feels a strong connection to Episode VI.
Levy’s directorial credits include movies like Night at the Museum (2006), Real Steel (2011), Free Guy (2021), The Adam Project (2022), and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), all showcasing a similar blend of adventure, humor, and emotional depth. He has also directed several episodes of Stranger Things, a series he produces, which shares a similar thematic mix.
While Starfighter echoes Return of the Jedi in several aspects, it also marks a new path. The film is neither a sequel nor a prequel. It is set roughly five years following Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), but its narrative is separate from Rey (Daisy Ridley) and the events of the recent Disney trilogy.
The cast of Star Wars: Starfighter will introduce several fresh faces to the saga. Alongside Gosling, the film will feature Mia Goth, Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Aaron Pierre, Flynn Gray, Daniel Ings, and Simon Bird. Levy also recently confirmed that composer Thomas Newman will provide the film’s score.
Although the film’s release is still about 18 months away, and we may have to wait for an official trailer, more details about the plot are expected to emerge next year. 2026 is set to be a significant year for the franchise, with Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu releasing on May 22.
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to make its cinema debut on May 28, 2027.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
