*Courtesy of Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images.*

Director Shawn Levy and actor Ryan Gosling made a surprise appearance today at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, Japan, officially revealing their upcoming project: ‘Star Wars: Starfighter.’

Set five years after the events of ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019), the film is scheduled to begin production this fall and is slated for an exclusive theatrical release on May 28, 2027.

“There are many rumors, some true, some not. … This is not a prequel, this is not a sequel. It’s a new adventure,” said Levy.

Gosling added on some praise to Levy’s instalment saying, “[it’s] such a great story with great and original characters — so much heart and adventure.” Gosling also called the director “perfect” for this kind of story.

Until now, details about the project had been kept tightly under wraps. The script, penned by Jonathan Tropper, has been in development for two years. ‘Starfighter’ is a standalone film set outside the central core Skywalker canon.

While Lucasfilm and Disney have several other Star Wars projects in the works; including films from James Mangold, Simon Kinberg, and a post-Episode IX story featuring Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, with Levy’s ‘Starfighter’ being prioritized.

Levy is no stranger to blockbuster success, having delivered Disney’s highest-grossing R-rated release of all time with Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ which earned $1.33 billion globally.

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