Of all the cinematic influences on the upcoming Star Wars installment, Starfighter, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders stands out as an unexpected source of inspiration for director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling. In Starfighter, Gosling portrays Kade Auberon, the owner of a decommissioned Imperial Starfighter, who embarks on a journey with a young character played by Flynn Gray. Levy noted that The Outsiders’ themes of class division and the struggles of marginalized youth resonated with the narrative of Starfighter, as it features characters from the “wrong side of the galaxy.” This approach aims to create a grounded story set in a chaotic universe, moving away from the typical narratives centered on powerful Jedi or political leaders. Starfighter is set to premiere in theaters on May 28, 2027, and promises a fresh take on the Star Wars narrative, focusing on personal connections amid larger galactic events.
Why It Matters
The Outsiders, released in 1983, is a classic coming-of-age film that explores themes of class conflict and identity among youth, making it a significant cultural reference point. Starfighter’s development occurs several years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, marking a shift in the franchise as it explores uncharted narrative territories. The film’s focus on marginalized characters aligns with the Star Wars franchise’s long history of featuring ordinary individuals who rise to confront extraordinary challenges. By incorporating these themes, Starfighter may contribute to a deeper understanding of character-driven storytelling within the expansive Star Wars universe.
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