Fri Dec 05 04:30:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thomas Newman to Score Shawn Levy’s ‘Star Wars: Starfighter,’ Steering Clear of Williams’ Legacy

Los Angeles, CA – November 20, 2026 – The upcoming standalone Star Wars film, Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, will feature an original score by acclaimed composer Thomas Newman, known for his work on American Beauty, The Shawshank Redemption, Skyfall, and Finding Nemo. Levy revealed the news, emphasizing that the score will be “classically inspired” but will deliberately avoid remixing John Williams’ iconic Star Wars themes.

“I wanted a big-hearted movie score from a composer who, like John Williams, doesn’t shy away from themes, but it won’t be remixes of Williams cues,” Levy stated during an interview on the On Film… with Kevin McCarthy podcast. He described reaching out to Newman after envisioning the film’s musical direction.

Starfighter, set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, explores a new era in the Star Wars universe. The film follows Gosling’s character and his teenage nephew, played by Flynn Gray, as they embark on a new adventure. Matt Smith and Mia Goth will portray the villains, with Simon Bird also joining the cast.

Filming began in August, and set photos have teased the film’s visual style, including a landspeeder-like vehicle and a sci-fi raft.

Levy clarified that Starfighter is a “standalone…a new adventure set in a period of time that we haven’t seen explored yet.” This allows for fresh storytelling and a unique musical landscape, free from the constraints of the Skywalker Saga.

Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to release on May 28, 2027.

About Thomas Newman:

Thomas Newman is a Grammy, Emmy, and BAFTA Award-winning composer with 15 Academy Award nominations. His diverse filmography includes critically acclaimed dramas, blockbuster action films, and beloved animated features.

About Star Wars: Starfighter:

A standalone Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling. Set in a new era of the Star Wars timeline, the film explores new characters and adventures distinct from the Skywalker Saga.

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