Gosling Reveals Starfighter Footage at D23

Levy's High-Octane Vision Takes Flight

Director Shawn Levy wrapped production on this massive undertaking just last December, and the footage shows every bit of that effort.

Levy, known for his ability to blend comedy with massive action spectacles like *Free Guy* and *Deadpool & Wolverine*, celebrated the shoot's wrap late last year with a behind-the-scenes look that hinted at the film's scale.

Sources close to the production confirmed that Levy pushed for a tactile, gritty feel, moving away from the pristine CGI-heavy look that sometimes plagued the sequel trilogy.

The D23 clip showcased a distinct visual style—dusty, worn, and lived-in, echoing the aesthetic of the original *Star Wars* films while leveraging modern camera technology.

Levy's influence is clear in the pacing; the footage moved with a kinetic energy that suggests this will be an action-heavy thrill ride rather than a ponderous space opera.

The director has been vocal about his love for the original trilogy, and that passion appears to have translated directly to the screen.

Industry analysts pointed out that Levy's track record with Ryan Reynolds and his success in the blockbuster arena make him the ideal shepherd for a property that needs to appeal to a broad, global audience.

The choice of Levy signals Disney's intent to prioritize entertainment value and box office draw over deep, convoluted lore-building.

He understands that a Star Wars movie needs to be an event, and the footage presented suggests he has delivered exactly that.

By finishing the shoot in December 2025, the team has had nearly eight months of post-production to refine the visual effects, ensuring the space battles look seamless and immersive.

• Shawn Levy directed the film, wrapping photography on Dec. 18, 2025.
• Levy previously directed *Free Guy* and *Deadpool & Wolverine*.
• Post-production has been underway for roughly eight months.
• The footage emphasized a 'lived-in' aesthetic similar to 1977's *A New Hope*.
• Levy celebrated the wrap with a behind-the-scenes video shared late last year.

A Scoundrel for a New Generation

The core of the film, according to Gosling, is a character rooted in the classic tradition of the galaxy's rogues.

'It's about a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy,' Gosling told the cheering crowd, encapsulating the film's premise in a single, punchy sentence.

This description immediately draws comparisons to Han Solo, the smuggler who captured hearts decades ago, but sources suggest the character is a distinct archetype for the modern era.

The footage depicted Gosling's character in a dimly lit cantina and later scrambling into a starfighter, suggesting a narrative that moves from the underworld to the hero's seat.

This 'wrong side of the galaxy' angle allows the writers to explore the seedy underbelly of the Star Wars universe without being tethered to the Skywalker saga's complex family drama.

It is a fresh start.

US audiences have historically gravitated toward the reluctant hero, the outsider who finds a cause worth fighting for, and Gosling is perfectly positioned to deliver that performance with the necessary nuance and grit.

The character appears to be a pilot for hire, perhaps a smuggler or a racer, which opens the door for spectacular vehicle sequences that have been sorely missed in recent years.

By focusing on a singular, grounded character perspective, the film avoids the sprawl that sometimes bogged down recent trilogies.

It is a story about survival and skill in a dangerous universe, themes that resonate universally.

The specificity of 'the wrong side' implies a journey of redemption or a clash of class structures within the Empire or the criminal syndicates, adding a layer of social commentary that can elevate the script beyond simple laser battles.

Gosling's line was brief, but it set the stage for a character-driven adventure that could redefine what a Star Wars protagonist looks like in the post-Skywalker era.

• Gosling described the protagonist as 'a guy from the wrong side of the galaxy'.
• The footage hinted at a journey from the criminal underworld to piloting starfighters.
• The character draws comparisons to the 'scoundrel' archetype like Han Solo.
• The plot focuses on survival and skill rather than galactic politics.
• This narrative approach offers a fresh start outside the Skywalker family saga.

Lucasfilm's Theatrical Gamble in 2026

This reveal is not just about a movie; it is about Lucasfilm's strategy to reassert dominance in the movie theater business.

After years of prioritizing Disney+ series like *The Mandalorian* and *Ahsoka*, the studio is returning to the big screen with a vengeance.

The presentation also featured a trailer for *Ahsoka* Season 2, which prominently featured Anakin Skywalker, reminding fans that television remains a key pillar of the strategy.

However, the electricity in the room during the *Starfighter* footage demonstrated that the theatrical experience still holds a unique power for this franchise.

Experts noted that Disney is taking a calculated risk by leaning into original storytelling rather than relying on established legacy characters to drive the plot.

While *Ahsoka* Season 2 brings back beloved faces, *Starfighter* is banking on the star power of Gosling and the vision of Levy to fill seats.

This dual approach—legacy content for streaming and high-concept original films for theaters—represents a maturation of Disney's franchise management.

The success of *Starfighter* is critical for Lucasfilm; a box office failure could stall future film projects, while a hit would greenlight a new slate of stories.

The industry is watching closely to see if audiences will turn out for a Star Wars movie that does not feature 'Skywalker' or 'Jedi' in the title.

The early buzz from D23 suggests that the gamble might pay off, as the combination of Gosling's cool factor and Levy's action pedigree hits a sweet spot for the summer blockbuster crowd.

The timing is also strategic, positioning the film as a major event for the 2026 holiday season or early 2027, capitalizing on the massive marketing push that began today.

• *Ahsoka* Season 2 trailer debuted, showing Anakin Skywalker's return.
• Lucasfilm is shifting focus back to theatrical releases after a streaming focus.
• *Starfighter* is an original story not tied to the Skywalker saga.
• The film's success is critical for future theatrical Star Wars projects.
• Disney is using a dual strategy: legacy for TV, originals for cinemas.

D23 Dominated by Disney's Mega-Franchises

The *Starfighter* reveal was just one part of a massive day for Disney, but it arguably stole the show in a lineup packed with heavy hitters.

Earlier in the day, the crowd saw the first footage from *Frozen 3*, which revealed a dramatic plot twist involving a royal wedding between Anna and Kristoff being crashed by a new villain.

The emotional weight of the *Frozen* franchise provided a stark contrast to the laser-fire intensity of *Star Wars*, showcasing Disney's diverse portfolio.

Meanwhile, the room also got a look at *I Play Rocky*, where Anthony Ippolito transforms into a young Sylvester Stallone, a biopic that already has Oscar buzz circulating among critics in attendance.

Despite the strength of these other projects, the *Starfighter* presentation felt like the climax of the weekend.

It tapped into a fanbase that is arguably more passionate and more vocal than any other.

The D23 Expo has become the primary venue for Disney to court these