Rising British actor Aaron Pierre has officially joined the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter, the highly anticipated standalone film from Lucasfilm, directed by Shawn Levy and set to premiere on May 28, 2027. Known for his powerful performances in The Underground Railroad and Genius: MLK/X, Pierre’s addition brings gravitas and fresh energy to a galaxy far, far away.
Starfighter is set five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker and explores a previously uncharted era in the Star Wars timeline. The film promises an original story with all-new characters, unbound by the Skywalker saga, allowing for bold creative freedom and fresh world-building.
Pierre joins a star-studded ensemble that includes:
- Ryan Gosling (lead role)
- Amy Adams
- Matt Smith
- Mia Goth
- Flynn Gray
- Simon Bird
- Jamael Westman
- Daniel Ings
While Pierre’s role remains under wraps, fans are already speculating he could portray a rogue pilot, a mysterious Jedi, or a morally complex antagonist—roles that align with his dramatic range and commanding screen presence.
Directed by Shawn Levy (The Adam Project, Free Guy), the film is written by Jonathan Tropper and produced by Levy alongside Kathleen Kennedy, with Ryan Gosling also serving as executive producer. Production is currently underway in the UK, and Lucasfilm has released a first-look image featuring Gosling and Gray beside a retro-style landspeeder reminiscent of Luke Skywalker’s original ride.
Levy shared his excitement: “To join this storytelling galaxy with such brilliant collaborators onscreen and off is the thrill of a lifetime.”
Pierre’s casting signals Lucasfilm’s commitment to diversifying its universe and spotlighting emerging talent. His previous roles have showcased emotional depth, quiet intensity, and a magnetic screen presence—qualities that could redefine what heroism (or villainy) looks like in the Star Wars canon.
With Starfighter, Pierre steps into one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history, and fans are eager to see how his character will shape this new chapter.
