Key Facts
- ✓ Tom Cruise arrived at the set of Star Wars: Starfighter via helicopter.
- ✓ Director Shawn Levy revealed that Cruise filmed a lightsaber battle sequence for the movie.
- ✓ The film is scheduled to be released on May 28, 2027.
- ✓ Shawn Levy also directed the 2024 Marvel movie Deadpool & Wolverine.
Quick Summary
Director Shawn Levy has confirmed that Tom Cruise visited the set of Star Wars: Starfighter and filmed a lightsaber battle sequence. Cruise arrived at the set via helicopter and eventually took camera duties to capture the duel, wading into a 'muddy pond' to get the shots. This development has generated surprise among fans, as the film was previously described as a grounded, standalone story. The movie is currently scheduled for release on May 28, 2027.
Cruise's Surprise Set Visit
Director Shawn Levy provided details regarding a surprise visit from Tom Cruise to the set of Star Wars: Starfighter. Levy stated that Cruise arrived at the production location in his own helicopter. To welcome the actor, the director played the Mission Impossible theme music over the loudspeakers.
Initially, Cruise told Levy that he simply wanted to visit and observe the filming process. Levy jokingly suggested that the actor should get behind a camera. However, Cruise took the suggestion seriously. The actor proceeded to move into a 'muddy pond' area to operate a camera and film a lightsaber duel. Levy noted that this effort likely ruined Cruise's 'very nice shoes.' Levy also mentioned that Steven Spielberg had visited the set the previous week.
"Last week Steven Spielberg was here. And now Tom Cruise is wielding a camera, ruining his very nice shoes."
— Shawn Levy, Director
Implications for Starfighter
The confirmation of a lightsaber battle in Star Wars: Starfighter has raised eyebrows among the fan community. The film has been pitched as a standalone project, distinct from the wider Star Wars Skywalker Saga and its focus on Jedi and Sith lore. Previous production images released by Levy depicted the main characters near a speeder and a sci-fi raft, suggesting a more down-to-earth aesthetic.
Despite the grounded premise, the inclusion of a lightsaber duel suggests a connection to the franchise's traditional elements. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a 'scruffy-looking scoundrel-type character' and his young nephew. The cast also includes Matt Smith and Mia Goth, with fan speculation suggesting they may play Sith characters. Levy has previously emphasized that the movie is 'not a prequel, not a sequel,' but rather a 'new adventure' set in an unexplored time period.
Production Details and Release
Star Wars: Starfighter is currently scheduled to launch in theaters on May 28, 2027. Shawn Levy, who directed the 2024 Marvel hit Deadpool & Wolverine, is helming the project. Levy indicated that viewers will be able to see Tom Cruise's work behind the camera when the movie arrives in theaters next year.
"This is a standalone. It’s not a prequel, not a sequel. It’s a new adventure. It’s set in a period of time that we haven’t seen explored yet."
— Shawn Levy, Director
