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Making a standalone film in the Star Wars universe is difficult. Even movies like Rogue One or Solo are building on what came before in the original trilogy. They aren’t intended to have direct sequels, but they also only make sense as stories trying to set up other movies. Which is what makes Star Wars: Starfighter so interesting; according to outgoing Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy, it could be the first truly standalone film in the Star Wars franchise.

Star Wars: Starfighter takes place in a unique part of the Star Wars timeline. It is after the events of Episode IX, meaning that the First Order has fallen following Palpatine’s unexpected return in The Rise of Skywalker. This is the first time that any film has taken place in this period, which explains why Lucasfilm sees it as a potential one-off.

“[Star Wars: Starfighter] was envisioned as a single film,” Kathleen Kennedy told Deadline in an interview about her impending exit from Lucasfilm. “Shawn Levy just made the experience so pleasant for everybody, and we found this 14-year-old kid out of Ireland who had virtually no experience. That’s always risky, hanging a story so much on a child actor. You’re not exactly sure how comfortable they’re going to be. Flynn Gray turned out to be such a special kid.”

This doesn’t sound like Kennedy is closing the door on future sequels to Starfighter, but it certainly confirms that it was first pitched as a standalone film. It will probably depend on its box office if the new Lucasfilm bosses can lure Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling back for another trip to a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars: Starfighter is due in cinemas on May 28, 2027.

Get to know, understand, and love the Star Wars franchise more with our Star Wars watch order, guide to all the upcoming Star Wars movies & TV shows, and all the Star Wars movies and Star Wars TV shows ranked.