The Force is back — with a vengeance. Lucasfilm and Disney have just dropped the official teaser trailer for Star Wars: Starfighter, a bold new standalone installment in the Star Wars universe set to release in May 2026. Even more surprising? The film stars Ryan Gosling in his debut role within the galaxy far, far away.

Scroll down to the bottom of the article to see the Trailer

Directed by Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Arrival), Starfighter is a gritty, character-driven war epic that takes place between the events of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One. The story follows Commander Kael Rennox (played by Gosling), a disillusioned Republic pilot turned fugitive who is recruited by a secret rebel cell to lead a squadron of elite starfighter pilots in a suicide mission deep into Imperial territory.

The teaser, which is under two minutes long, opens with a quiet, haunting shot of a wrecked X-wing on a desert moon. A voiceover from Gosling intones: “I used to fly for peace. Now I fly to survive.” Rapid cuts follow: flashes of chaotic dogfights in space, cloaked figures meeting in smoky cantinas, and glimpses of a new Sith enforcer — played by Rebecca Ferguson — wielding a crimson double-bladed lightsaber.

With a gritty tone and sweeping visuals reminiscent of Rogue One blended with the emotional gravity of Blade Runner 2049, Starfighter aims to explore the psychological toll of rebellion, loyalty, and loss — far beyond the scope of the Jedi vs. Sith dynamic.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy described the film as “a grounded, raw, and emotionally charged story about courage — not destiny.”

The music, composed by Ludwig Göransson, brings a fresh sound to the saga while still echoing John Williams’ iconic themes.

Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for a May 22, 2026 theatrical release, with IMAX and Disney+ streaming to follow.