The cockpit of an X-wing is about to get a lot more crowded this autumn. Star Wars: Star Pilots, a highly anticipated new book from DK, has been officially revealed, promising to bring fans back into the heat of the Galactic Civil War through the eyes of the rebellion’s greatest ace: Wedge Antilles.
First teased during Star Wars Celebration Japan by acclaimed author Dr. Chris Kempshall, the project has finally been detailed, offering a fresh perspective on the dogfights and atmospheric battles that defined an era.
The Return of Wedge Antilles
The framing of Star Wars: Star Pilots is particularly intriguing for long-time fans. During a recent interview with Star Wars Explained, Kempshall revealed that the narrative is told from the perspective of an older Wedge Antilles. Set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the legendary pilot looks back on his career, providing a reflective and authoritative voice to the history of starfighter combat.
Wedge isn’t just a side character here; he serves as the primary lens through which we view the evolution of the Rebel Alliance’s flight schools and the desperate missions that took down the Empire.
A Deep Dive into Starfighter History
While Wedge is the anchor, Star Wars: Star Pilots is an ensemble piece of military history. Kempshall, known for his meticulous work on The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire, is bringing that same “in-universe history” rigor to this volume.
The book features a collection of voices from across the cockpit. According to Kempshall:
“The voices of a lot of other Starfighter pilots are in here from the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire… Some of those pilots we’re going to know and we’re going to have met previously. There’s a lot of new pilots who… I’m really excited about.”
For fans of the classic X-Wing novels or the Squadrons video game, this is the deep-dive lore they have been waiting for. The book aims to change how we view the Galactic Civil War by focusing on the “human” (and alien) element of the pilots who lived through it.
New Details and Familiar Faces
One of the most exciting confirmations for fans is the inclusion of Biggs Darklighter. While Biggs famously fell during the trench run on the first Death Star, his legacy looms large in this story. Kempshall confirmed that Biggs will be a frequent topic of conversation, helping to flesh out the early days of the Rebellion and Wedge’s own personal journey.
Because this is a DK publication, readers can expect more than just prose. The “non-fiction” branding suggests a heavily illustrated, technical, and immersive experience. Kempshall has teased that there is a “ton of new information” regarding piloting mechanics and strategy that even the most dedicated fans haven’t seen before.
Dr. Chris Kempshall has become a pivotal architect of the “history” of the galaxy. Having co-authored Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy and written The Death Star Stratagem, his move into the specific world of starpilots signifies a desire by Lucasfilm to codify the military tactics of the franchise.
By placing the narrative after the sequel trilogy, it also helps bridge the gap between the different eras of the saga, showing that the legends of the Rebellion still resonate in the era of the New Republic and beyond.
Release Date and Pre-order Information
Star Wars: Star Pilots is scheduled to hit bookshelves on October 6th, 2026.
Whether you are a fan of the technical specifications of a T-65B X-wing or you simply want more of Wedge Antilles’ dry wit, this book is shaping up to be a must-read for the fall season. You can currently pre-order from Penguin Random House now..
