A defining moment in Levy’s career
Shawn Levy has spent decades working across film and television, but the past few years have marked a turning point. After directing one of the highest-grossing movies in cinema history and producing one of today’s most popular series, he is now leading a new chapter in the Star Wars universe with Star Wars: Starfighter. The project has placed him firmly at the center of industry attention.
High-profile visitors surprise the crew
The set of Starfighter has become an unexpected gathering point for Hollywood royalty. Steven Spielberg recently paid a visit, followed shortly by Tom Cruise, who arrived by helicopter simply to watch a lightsaber sequence being filmed.
What started as a casual joke quickly turned into a memorable moment. When Levy suggested Cruise could film the scene himself, the actor took him up on it. Standing in mud and shallow water, Cruise reportedly handled the camera with complete focus, adding a unique footnote to the production that few Star Wars films can claim.
A familiar timeline with a fresh ensemble
While plot details remain tightly guarded, the cast has already generated strong interest. The film stars Ryan Gosling, Mia Goth, Matt Smith, Aaron Pierre, and newcomer Flynn Gray. The story is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, anchoring it within known events while allowing space for new characters and themes to develop.
A personal story beneath the spectacle
Beyond visual scale and action, Levy has indicated that Starfighter carries a strong emotional core. He has described it as a father and son story, echoing themes that have appeared throughout his filmography. During production, Levy reflected on how many of his stories center on young characters being guided or saved by older figures, a pattern tied to his own early life experiences.
As filming continues, Star Wars: Starfighter is shaping up as more than a franchise entry. With personal storytelling, a high-profile cast, and even a surprise contribution from Tom Cruise, the film is already standing out long before its release.
