Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray aboard a water vessel on location in Sardinia filming Star Wars: Starfighter

“Star Wars: Starfighter” First Look: Gosling & Gray at Sea

Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen Disney, Star Wars Movies

Shawn Levy has just dropped an intriguing teaser for Star Wars: Starfighter. The director shared a photo via Instagram showing Ryan Gosling and newcomer Flynn Gray aboard what looks like a sea vessel, with the Mediterranean waters near Sardinia, Italy, in the background.

It’s an unusual moment for a Star Wars set—water scenes aren’t super common in the live-action films. This shot could hint at some fresh terrain for the franchise.

What We Know So Far

Here’s the breakdown of what’s confirmed — and what we can read between the waves:

  • Starfighter is described as a standalone story, not a sequel or prequel. It takes place roughly five years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
  • The cast is stacked: Gosling, Gray, Amy Adams, Mia Goth, Matt Smith, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and others.
  • Filming is underway. Locations include the UK, and now Sardinia for at least part of the shoot.
  • Release date is set: May 28, 2027.

Why the Sea Shot Matters

That image of Gosling and Gray on a boat is more than just postcard scenery. It suggests:

  • Starfighter might include maritime or oceanic settings, which would be somewhat novel for Star Wars in live-action movies. (Previous films have used water for things like planetside shoreline or underwater sequences, but this photo suggests more than just brief exposure. )
  • The setting could be part of a mission or environment that takes place outside the usual space stations, arid planets, or large-scale battlefields—perhaps coastal settlements, sea travel, ship-based conflict, or something mythic.
  • It also could be simply a filming location used for convenience or aesthetic, rather than signalling a major water world. Time will tell.

What We’re Curious About

  • What roles do Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray play exactly? Rumor has it Gray is the nephew of Gosling’s character.
  • How much will the story lean into new characters vs. connections to the sequel trilogy?
  • Will the ocean/sea vessel be central to the plot, or just part of external adventure scenes?

Bottom Line

The first look at Star Wars: Starfighter—with Gosling, Gray, and a Mediterranean backdrop—is already raising eyebrows (in a good way). It promises something fresh in the Star Wars film lineup: new territory, new faces, and maybe a few waves where we didn’t expect them.

Do you want a version of this article aimed at hardcore lore nerds (speculating how this fits into the timeline, possible returning characters, etc.) or something more focused on the visual and thematic angle?

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