According to an updated resume, the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter has officially enlisted the talents of editor Adam Gerstel. This move represents a significant homecoming for the franchise, as Gerstel is a veteran of the galaxy far, far away, having previously worked on some of the most acclaimed moments of The Mandalorian.
A Veteran Joins the Cockpit
The news of an Adam Gerstel and Star Wars Starfighter collaboration comes at a pivotal time for the movie. Gerstel is perhaps best known to Star Wars fans for his exceptional work on the second season of The Mandalorian. Specifically, he served as the editor for “Chapter 9: The Marshal” and the high-stakes season finale, “Chapter 16: The Rescue.”
Those episodes are widely considered high-water marks for Disney+ era storytelling, with “The Rescue” featuring the iconic return of Luke Skywalker. His ability to balance high-octane action with emotional character beats is likely exactly why director Shawn Levy wanted him for this project.
The Shawn Levy and Adam Gerstel Connection
While Gerstel’s Star Wars resume is impressive, his connection to director Shawn Levy runs even deeper. The two previously collaborated on the 2011 film Real Steel, a cult favorite among fans of robot combat and heartfelt father-son stories. This established rapport is essential in the world of film editing, where the relationship between a director and their editor often dictates the pacing and soul of the final cut.
Gerstel’s career also includes work on massive blockbusters like Avatar, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and the live-action Lilo & Stitch. His experience with VFX-heavy productions makes him a natural fit for a film titled Starfighter, which is expected to push the boundaries of space combat cinematography.
What We Know About Star Wars: Starfighter
Set five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars: Starfighter is charting a new course for the franchise. The film features an ensemble cast led by Ryan Gosling, who is rumored to play a mentor figure to a young character portrayed by Flynn Gray. Other notable cast members include Amy Adams, Matt Smith, and Mia Goth.
During a recent appearance, Ryan Gosling teased that the film features one of the “most fun” scenes of his career, involving a unique alien creature. With a script by Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project), the movie aims to provide a standalone entry point for fans while still honoring the deep lore of the universe.
The Importance of Editors
The addition of Adam Gerstel to Star Wars: Starfighter as lead editor indicates that the film is well-prepared for its May 28, 2027, release date. Since the film wrapped principal photography in late 2025, the post-production phase has been running smoothly.
Editors are the “final writers” of any movie, and having someone with Gerstel’s pedigree, someone who understands how to make Star Wars feel like Star Wars, is a major win for Lucasfilm. fans of The Mandalorian will recognize his signature style in the way the film handles tension and the kinetic energy of starship dogfights.
As The Mandalorian and Grogu prepares to hit theaters next month, Starfighter is positioning itself as the next great leap forward. With a veteran editor at the helm and a stellar cast, the hype for the next era of the Jedi and the New Republic is only going to grow. Stay tuned to Outer Rim News for more updates on this exciting project.
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