Anakin Skywalker is helping Gosling get the hang of a galaxy far, far away ahead of the Shawn Levy-directed franchise installment

Starfighter is an original film, but it shares its title with (and may take some inspiration from) a prequel era video game.

Lucasfilm announced a new "Star Wars" film starring Ryan Gosling during a panel at Star Wars Celebration in Japan this week titled "Star Wars: Starfighter," and is expected to be released in 2027. Gosling's involvement in a "Star Wars" film had been rumored for a few months and was confirmed by the actor - who made a surprise appearance - along with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni.