The galaxy far, far away continues to expand as Star Wars: Starfighter edges closer to production. Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine, The Adam Project) and starring Ryan Gosling, the standalone Star Wars film is one of the franchise’s most anticipated upcoming projects.
Now, House of the Dragon star Matt Smith has confirmed that he will officially begin filming his scenes in December 2025, giving fans a peek into the creative process and teasing the meticulous work behind the film’s production. Smith’s comments also shed light on his mysterious role — rumored to be one of the film’s primary villains.
Matt Smith Confirms Filming Schedule for Star Wars: Starfighter
In a recent interview with A Rabbit’s Foot, Matt Smith revealed his involvement in the project and discussed the preparation phase leading up to filming.
“I’m going through the process now for the job I’m about to do,” Smith shared. “We’re going through the process of trying to find a costume, and sometimes you don’t know if you love a costume until you’ve worn it for a couple of days. I’m about to do Star Wars in December, and we’re sort of trying to develop the look for that.”
This focus on costume design highlights how seriously Smith and the creative team are taking his character’s presentation. While Smith didn’t confirm his role, multiple reports suggest he’ll be playing a villain — a position that requires a commanding presence and visual identity.
Overview Table — Key Details on Star Wars: Starfighter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Star Wars: Starfighter |
| Director | Shawn Levy |
| Lead Actor | Ryan Gosling |
| Filming Start (Matt Smith) | December 2025 |
| Production Start | August 2025 (U.K.) |
| Release Date | May 28, 2027 |
| Writer | Jonathan Tropper |
| Producers | Kathleen Kennedy, Shawn Levy |
| Genre | Sci-fi, Action, Adventure |
The Filming Timeline and Production Update
Lucasfilm confirmed that Starfighter began principal photography in the United Kingdom in August 2025, with Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray leading the early shoots. Smith’s December arrival to set indicates his character may have a significant — though possibly secondary — role in the story’s later acts.
Industry insiders suggest that the staggered production schedule could also reflect how Starfighter intertwines multiple character arcs across different planetary settings, echoing the expansive storytelling of previous Star Wars epics.
Ryan Gosling’s Role and Creative Vision
Ryan Gosling, who takes on the lead role in Starfighter, recently spoke about the project at Star Wars Celebration Tokyo, calling it “a story filled with heart, adventure, and original characters.”
“The reality is that this script is just so good,” Gosling said. “It has such a great story with great and original characters. It’s filled with so much heart and adventure, and there really is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn.”
Director Shawn Levy, known for blending action and emotion in hits like Free Guy and The Adam Project, posted the first behind-the-scenes photo from the set, showing Gosling and co-star Flynn Gray standing before a Mediterranean backdrop.
Levy captioned the post: “Somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea #Starfighter.”
This image confirmed that Starfighter will incorporate a mix of grounded, real-world locations and elaborate visual effects — a balance the director has mastered throughout his career.
A Cast Full of Power and Potential
The Starfighter ensemble includes an impressive lineup of talent from across genres and generations:
- Ryan Gosling (Blade Runner 2049, The Fall Guy)
- Matt Smith (House of the Dragon, Doctor Who)
- Mia Goth (Pearl, Infinity Pool)
- Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad)
- Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners)
- Jamael Westman (Hamilton)
- Daniel Ings (The Crown)
- Amy Adams (Arrival, American Hustle)
Mia Goth and Matt Smith are both reportedly playing antagonistic figures, setting up what could be one of the most dynamic villain pairings in Star Wars history.
Cast Overview Table
| Actor | Character (Rumored/Confirmed) | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Gosling | Lead Pilot / Protagonist | Blade Runner 2049 |
| Matt Smith | Villain (unnamed) | House of the Dragon |
| Mia Goth | Possible Secondary Villain | Pearl |
| Aaron Pierre | Supporting Role | The Underground Railroad |
| Amy Adams | Political Leader (rumored) | Arrival |
Matt Smith’s Return to Sci-Fi
While this marks Matt Smith’s first official Star Wars role, it’s not his first brush with the galaxy far, far away. Years ago, rumors linked him to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker as a potential young Emperor Palpatine. Those plans fell through, but Starfighter gives him another opportunity to make his mark on the saga.
Smith’s involvement also continues his long-standing relationship with high-concept science fiction, from Doctor Who to Morbius and House of the Dragon. His casting injects gravitas and unpredictability into the film’s villain roster — a move that excites longtime fans.
Film analyst and pop culture commentator Dr. Laura Chen noted:
“Matt Smith’s ability to blend charisma with menace makes him the perfect fit for a morally ambiguous Star Wars character. His late addition to the production suggests his role could reshape the film’s third act.”
Lucasfilm and Shawn Levy’s Vision for the Franchise
Producer Kathleen Kennedy praised Levy’s storytelling approach, saying,
“Shawn brings a deeply human perspective to Star Wars. He understands the balance between spectacle and emotion, which is at the heart of what George Lucas originally created.”
The film will reportedly take place five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, positioning it within the timeline of The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. It’s expected to explore the rebuilding of the galaxy and the rise of new pilots, soldiers, and leaders in a fragile post-war era.
Why Starfighter Matters for the Star Wars Franchise?
With The Mandalorian & Grogu slated for a May 2026 release and Starfighter following a year later, Lucasfilm is strategically spacing out theatrical releases to recapture the momentum of Star Wars in cinemas.
Entertainment critic Harlan Mason stated,
“Starfighter represents the rebirth of cinematic Star Wars. It’s not just a nostalgia project — it’s designed to bring the magic of the original trilogy into a modern, emotionally driven setting.”
The combination of Gosling’s star power, Levy’s emotional direction, and Smith’s nuanced villainy could make Starfighter one of the franchise’s most talked-about entries in years.
Final Takeaway
Star Wars: Starfighter signals a thrilling new chapter for the galaxy’s cinematic legacy. With Ryan Gosling’s emotional intensity, Matt Smith’s villainous flair, and Shawn Levy’s blockbuster vision, fans are in for a grounded yet awe-inspiring story when the film arrives in May 2027.
FAQs
The movie is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027.
The film is directed by Shawn Levy, best known for Deadpool & Wolverine and The Adam Project.
The cast includes Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Amy Adams, and others.
Matt Smith begins filming his scenes in December 2025.
Primary production is taking place in the United Kingdom and Mediterranean locations.
The film is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, following new heroes and villains amid galactic reconstruction.
