This movie has been in development since 2022. Due to some complications, it’s only set to release in 2027. That’s still a long wait, but we’re lucky enough to get a first look — the very first set image. Unfortunately, the picture makes me less excited. Here’s why.
The Same Formula Again and Again
The picture above was released by the director himself. There’s Ryan Gosling, playing a seasoned pilot. And there’s a kid. We can already guess the plot. Ryan will have to protect and train this kid — a formula Disney has used repeatedly throughout the Star Wars franchise.
In The Mandalorian, a seasoned warrior protects and trains a kid, Grogu.
In Obi-Wan Kenobi, a seasoned warrior protects and trains a kid, Leia.
In Ahsoka, a seasoned warrior protects and trains a kid, Sabine Wren.
In The Bad Batch, a group of seasoned warriors protect and train a kid, Omega.
Disney saw that this formula worked in The Mandalorian and decided to recycle it for nearly every Star Wars story since.
“Um… Actually…”
I can already hear the keyboards typing, “Um… actually… that’s the whole point of Star Wars.”
Yeah, I get it. Mentorship has always been part of Star Wars. Yoda trained Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi. Palpatine manipulated Anakin Skywalker to become a Sith.
I understand that’s the point — but what if I don’t like the point anymore? What if the point has become repetitive, predictable, and boring?
Why It Might Still Be Good
The director, Shawn Levy, has made plenty of fun sci-fi movies — the Night at the Museum trilogy, Real Steel, The Adam Project, Free Guy, and Deadpool & Wolverine. One of them even made a billion dollars. That is one stacked resume. I don’t expect him to make a masterpiece, but I do trust him to make a fun movie.
Conclusion
Star Wars: Starfighter might surprise us. But judging from the first image, it looks like Disney is once again playing it safe with the same overused formula. Let’s hope Shawn Levy brings something fresh to the galaxy — because Star Wars needs it.
