The Star Wars franchise is making a triumphant return to the big screen in 2026 with the highly anticipated release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, bringing beloved characters from the Disney+ series to theaters. As audiences gear up for that adventure, excitement is already building for the 2027 installment, Star Wars: Starfighter, which promises to expand the galaxy far, far away in bold new directions. Adding an unexpected layer of Hollywood star power to the production, director Shawn Levy has revealed that action icon Tom Cruise played a hands-on role in capturing one of the film's most intense sequences: a dramatic lightsaber duel set in challenging watery conditions.
Details about this crossover moment emerged from an in-depth profile on Levy, highlighting the behind-the-scenes magic of Star Wars: Starfighter. The film, which marks the first big-screen entry set after the events of the sequel trilogy, features Ryan Gosling in a leading role as a skilled pilot navigating the post-Rise of Skywalker era. Production has been underway with an ensemble cast that includes Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams, blending high-stakes space action with the franchise's signature mystical elements. The involvement of Cruise, known for his daredevil stunts in the Mission: Impossible series, came during a set visit that turned into an impromptu collaboration, infusing the project with even more adrenaline-fueled energy.
As reported by The New York Times, Levy was in the process of preparing a lightsaber duel sequence set in water—specifically, what appeared to be a muddy pond. “Now when you see the movie,” Levy added, “you’ll know that part of it was shot by Tom. I mean, how cool is that?”
Even more excitingly, the article notes that lightsaber props were being swung around the set. This revelation underscores the physical demands of filming such a scene, with Cruise stepping in to handle the camera himself after arriving dramatically by helicopter—accompanied by the blaring theme from Mission: Impossible. Levy described how Cruise eagerly jumped at the opportunity to contribute, even at the cost of ruining a pair of expensive shoes in the muck. This isn't the first time high-profile visitors have graced the set; Steven Spielberg also stopped by recently, offering his insights to the team. Such collaborations highlight the collaborative spirit of blockbuster filmmaking, where stars like Cruise can lend their expertise beyond acting.
Set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars: Starfighter appears poised to delve into the evolving state of the galaxy, potentially exploring themes of piloting prowess intertwined with the Force. Gosling's character, described as a starfighter pilot, fits seamlessly into the franchise's legacy of heroes who command both ships and sabers, from Luke Skywalker to Poe Dameron. The presence of a lightsaber duel suggests intense confrontations, possibly involving antagonists portrayed by Smith or Goth, who could embody dark-side threats drawing from recent lore seen in series like Ahsoka.
The muddy pond setting adds a gritty, visceral element to the combat, evoking classic duels in adverse environments, such as the volcanic showdown in Revenge of the Sith or the snowy clash in The Empire Strikes Back. With Levy at the helm—known for his work on Deadpool & Wolverine and Free Guy—the film aims to balance spectacle with character-driven storytelling, leveraging practical effects and innovative cinematography to immerse viewers.
As production progresses, speculation abounds about Gosling's potential ties to the Jedi Order, given the prominence of lightsabers in the narrative. Could his pilot character reveal latent Force abilities, positioning him as a new Jedi figure in the post-sequel era? This possibility gains intrigue when connected to upcoming projects like Star Wars: New Jedi Order, which will see Daisy Ridley reprise her role as Rey, focusing on her efforts to rebuild the Jedi amid lingering threats. The lightsaber duel in Star Wars: Starfighter, partially captured by Cruise's keen eye, might even hint at broader connections to Rey's story, perhaps introducing allies or adversaries that bridge the two films and enrich the expanding universe.
Star Wars: Starfighter is slated for release in 2027, timed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film, promising a milestone event for the saga. With its blend of star-studded cameos, innovative action, and fresh explorations of familiar lore, the movie is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in the enduring franchise.
