Mia Goth has been cast as a key villain in the upcoming standalone film Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, according to The InSneider. The announcement marks a significant step forward for the highly anticipated project, which is set to expand the galaxy far, far away with a fresh narrative untethered from the Skywalker Saga.
Goth, celebrated for her captivating performances in Ti West’s horror trilogy—X, Pearl, and MaXXXine—brings her signature intensity to Star Wars: Starfighter. Her casting follows reports that Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison, known for her role in Anora, was previously in talks for the same villainous role but stepped away due to a pay dispute. Goth’s involvement adds a new layer of intrigue to the film, which is slated to begin production in England this fall and is eyeing a theatrical release on May 28, 2027.
The actress’s career has been on a meteoric rise, with recent roles showcasing her versatility across genres. She is set to appear in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, playing Elizabeth Lavenza alongside Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, with the film debuting on Netflix in November 2025. Additionally, Goth is part of the star-studded ensemble in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, a July 2026 release featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson. Her transition from indie horror to blockbuster sci-fi underscores her growing prominence in Hollywood.
Star Wars: Starfighter was officially unveiled at Star Wars Celebration in Japan earlier this year, where Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni joined Levy and Gosling to share details about the project. The film, penned by Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project, Your Friends & Neighbors), promises a standalone adventure that introduces all-new characters. Levy emphasized the film’s unique place in the Star Wars timeline, stating, “This is a standalone. It’s not a prequel, not a sequel. It’s a new adventure. It’s set in a period of time that we haven’t seen explored yet.”
What is Star Wars: Starfighter about?
Set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars: Starfighter ventures into uncharted territory within the Star Wars chronology. The story follows a 15-year-old boy and his uncle, played by Ryan Gosling, as they embark on a mysterious mission across the galaxy. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gosling’s character is tasked with protecting his young nephew from a duo of villains—one male, one female—who are in relentless pursuit. Mia Goth is confirmed to portray the female villain, a role that aligns with her knack for embodying complex, menacing characters.
While specific plot details remain closely guarded, the film is described as a high-stakes adventure that introduces fresh faces to the Star Wars universe, including a cantina-owning character and the boy’s mother. Rumors suggest Gosling’s character may be a pilot with a mentor-like relationship to his nephew, potentially his ward, though these details await official confirmation. The narrative is expected to explore the state of the galaxy post-The Rise of Skywalker, offering a glimpse into a period following the defeat of Emperor Palpatine and the Battle of Exegol.
Unlike other upcoming Star Wars projects, such as the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy-directed film featuring Daisy Ridley as Rey, which takes place 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars: Starfighter is not connected to the Jedi Order’s rebuilding efforts. Instead, it carves out its own narrative space, focusing on new conflicts and dynamics. The film’s standalone nature and its setting in a relatively unexplored era make it a bold addition to the franchise.
With Shawn Levy at the helm, fresh off the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, and a cast led by Gosling and Goth, Star Wars: Starfighter is shaping up to be a dynamic entry in the Star Wars saga. As production gears up, anticipation continues to build for this galactic adventure set to soar into theaters in 2027.
