Thescreescore – The galaxy far, far away is poised for a radical shake-up in 2027, as actor Daniel Ings offers tantalizing insights into the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter. Describing the film as possessing a distinctive "punk feel" and culminating in a "tremendous" conclusion, Ings’ remarks ignite fresh anticipation for a standalone adventure promising to redefine the franchise’s cinematic landscape.
Ings, a familiar face to fans of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms where he portrays Lyonel Baratheon, is part of an impressive ensemble cast for Starfighter. While his specific role, alongside those of Ryan Gosling and other notable co-stars, remains shrouded in mystery, his recent conversation with Thescreescore’s Liam Crowley painted a vivid picture of the production experience. Ings lauded director Shawn Levy for cultivating an exceptionally "fun and playful" set, an environment where creative spontaneity flourished despite the monumental scale of a Star Wars production.
"I wonder if it maybe still hasn’t sunk in yet," Ings mused, reflecting on the surreal journey. He elaborated on Levy’s innate ability to foster a collaborative atmosphere, allowing actors to "bounce off each other and find things in the moment." This approach, Ings noted, swiftly dispelled any initial apprehension about stepping into such a revered and expansive universe. He likened the creative freedom to that found on smaller, character-driven projects like Lovesick or The Gentlemen, a testament to Levy’s skill in balancing grandeur with artistic intimacy.
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A significant portion of Ings’ on-screen time was spent opposite Ryan Gosling, whom he praised as "so playful" and constantly "hunting for interesting moments." This revelation marks the first confirmation of the dynamic between these two actors within the film, adding another layer of intrigue to the unrevealed plot.
When pressed about the rumored creative evolution of Starfighter‘s ending, a topic Levy himself has previously touched upon, Ings expressed unequivocal satisfaction. "I felt tremendous about it. I f–king loved it. I got nothing to add there. I got nothing, no issues for me," he declared, his enthusiasm palpable. He characterized the entire cinematic journey as "Star Wars through and through," yet underscored its unique flavor. "There were days when I was walking around, and there’s droids rolling around and animatronic heads and just hundreds of people in these amazing costumes, but with a sort of punk feel to it. I loved it, so I felt excellent about it." This "punk feel" suggests a departure from traditional Star Wars aesthetics, hinting at a grittier, perhaps more rebellious tone.
These sentiments echo Gosling’s earlier expressions of "total faith" in Levy’s directorial vision for Starfighter. The film, penned by Jonathan Tropper, is set approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. It’s designed as a standalone narrative, introducing an entirely new roster of characters, a bold move confirmed by Levy’s December 2025 Instagram announcement that principal photography had concluded.
Beyond Ings and Gosling, the stellar cast includes Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Amy Adams, promising a rich tapestry of performances.
Unlike upcoming projects such as The Mandalorian and Grogu, which continue established narratives, Star Wars: Starfighter arrives as an exhilarating unknown. While many Disney+ series delve into the backstories of beloved figures like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Cassian Andor, and Ahsoka Tano, Starfighter ventures into an uncharted segment of the canon timeline with fresh faces. This positions it as a potentially vital entry point for new audiences and a refreshing experience for long-time devotees, much like how A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms aims to captivate both veteran Game of Thrones fans and newcomers.
With its promise of a "punk" sensibility and a "tremendous" finale, Star Wars: Starfighter is shaping up to be a compelling and distinctive chapter in the iconic saga. This film has the potential to expand the universe in unexpected and thrilling ways, proving that even after decades, the Force still holds surprises.
Star Wars: Starfighter is slated for theatrical release on May 28, 2027.
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