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Daniel Ings Star Wars Movie: Actor Teases “Punk” Vibe and “Tremendous” Ending for Shawn Levy’s New Film

Actor Daniel Ings looking directly at the camera with a serious expression and a full beard, wearing a light blue t-shirt in a domestic setting.

In a recent exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Daniel Ings, the breakout star of The Gentlemen and HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, opened up about his experience filming the highly anticipated 2027 film, Star Wars: Starfighter. While Lucasfilm has kept the plot of the Shawn Levy-directed project under tight wraps, Ings is providing the first real glimpse into the aesthetic and energy of this new era.

A “Punk” Aesthetic for a New Generation

One of the most striking takeaways from the Daniel Ings Star Wars movie update is his description of the film’s unique tone. Ings described the production as having a distinct “punk feel,” suggesting a departure from the polished, high-tech look of the sequel trilogy.

“There were days when I was walking around, and there’s droids rolling around and animatronic heads and just hundreds of people in these amazing costumes, but with a sort of punk feel to it,” Ings told Screen Rant.

This “punk” energy aligns with director Shawn Levy’s previous comments about wanting to keep the story “rooted in character” while delivering the massive spectacle fans expect. For fans of the franchise, this suggests a return to the “lived-in” universe aesthetic that made the original 1977 film so iconic, gritty, tactile, and perhaps a bit more dangerous.

Working with Ryan Gosling

While Ings’ specific character remains undisclosed, he did confirm a major detail regarding the cast: he spent the majority of his time on set with lead actor Ryan Gosling.

The chemistry between the two seems to have been a highlight of the production. Ings praised Gosling’s “playful” approach to the material, noting that despite the massive scale of a Star Wars production, the environment felt as creatively intimate as an indie project.

“I was able to go in and be like, ‘Yeah, this is huge, but it still feels as creative as being on Lovesick or The Gentlemen,'” Ings remarked.

A “Tremendous” Ending and Creative Overhaul

There has been much discussion regarding the creative direction of Star Wars: Starfighter, particularly after reports of a third-act overhaul. However, Ings was quick to reassure fans that the final product is something special. When asked about the film’s conclusion, he stated he felt “tremendous” about it and “f***ing loved it.”

According to Ings, the movie is “Star Wars through and through,” despite its standalone nature. Set roughly five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the film explores uncharted territory in the Star Wars timeline, allowing Levy and writer Jonathan Tropper to build a fresh narrative away from the Skywalker Saga.

As production on Star Wars: Starfighter continues to move toward its 2027 release date, the enthusiasm from Daniel Ings and the rest of the cast suggests that Lucasfilm has something truly unique on its hands. For fans looking for a fresh entry point into the universe, this Daniel Ings Star Wars movie might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Star Wars IMAX Release 2027: A New Hope 50th Anniversary and Starfighter Confirmed

The yellow Star Wars logo stacked above a large blue IMAX logo against a black background filled with white stars.

The galaxy far, far away is preparing for a monumental year on the largest screens possible. According to a recent IMAX investor presentation, the Star Wars IMAX release 2027 schedule is officially locked in, featuring both a historic restoration of the film that started it all and the next chapter in the cinematic saga.

For Star Wars fans, 2027 marks the 50th anniversary of the franchise. To celebrate, Lucasfilm and IMAX are bringing a newly restored version of Star Wars: A New Hope back to theaters, followed shortly by the highly anticipated release of Star Wars: Starfighter.

The Return of the Original: A New Hope 50th Anniversary

The headline news for many purists is the confirmation that the Star Wars IMAX release 2027 calendar kicks off with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Scheduled to hit IMAX screens on February 19, 2027, this limited-time engagement is set to honor five decades of Jedi, Sith, and Rebels.

While A New Hope has seen various re-releases over the years, an IMAX restoration is a rare event. This 50th-anniversary presentation aims to provide the most immersive viewing experience of the 1977 classic to date. Reports suggest a meticulous restoration process to ensure the film’s legendary cinematography and groundbreaking sound design hold up to the scrutiny of massive premium large-format screens.

This will be the first time the original cut of the film has been seen in theaters 1978. This isn’t counting the re-release in 1981 with the added subtitle. This marks a fantastic opportunity for fans of the original cut to see this version of the film again.

Star Wars: Starfighter Joins the IMAX Slate

The celebration doesn’t stop in February. Just a few months later, the next major theatrical entry in the franchise, Star Wars: Starfighter, will make its grand debut. The investor report confirms that Starfighter is scheduled for an IMAX release on May 28, 2027.

Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, Starfighter has already generated significant buzz among the community. Sources close to the production have praised the film’s visuals, noting that it “recaptures the Star Wars magic” with a focus on high-stakes aerial combat and new corners of the galaxy. Given the title, the film is expected to feature sweeping space battles that are tailor-made for the IMAX format.

IMAX 2027 Film Slate
IMAX 2027 Film Slate

A Massive Two-Year Roadmap for Star Wars Cinema

The 2027 announcements come on the heels of the 2026 slate, which is dominated by The Mandalorian and Grogu. That film is set to arrive on May 22, 2026, also featuring a heavy IMAX presence.

By the time 2027 rolls around, Disney and Lucasfilm will have established a consistent theatrical rhythm that fans have been craving since the conclusion of the Sequel Trilogy. The combination of nostalgia via the 50th-anniversary restoration and the innovation of Starfighter suggests a “best of both worlds” approach to the franchise’s future.

For years, fans have debated the best way to experience the original trilogy. While home theater technology has advanced, nothing compares to the scale of an IMAX theater. The decision to put a restored A New Hope into these venues suggests that Lucasfilm is leaning into the “event” status of cinema.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Starfighter in the investor presentation reassures shareholders and fans alike that the theatrical pipeline is healthy. With two major releases in the span of four months, 2027 is shaping up to be the biggest year for the franchise since 1977.

Key Dates to Remember:

  • February 19, 2027: Star Wars: A New Hope 50th Anniversary IMAX Release
  • May 28, 2027: Star Wars: Starfighter IMAX Global Premiere

Stay tuned to Outer Rim News for more updates on ticket sales, theater locations, and exclusive looks at the upcoming Star Wars IMAX release 2

Why Ryan Gosling Joined a Star Wars Movie After Years of Avoiding Big Franchises

For over two decades, Ryan Gosling has been the ultimate “franchise dodger.” While his contemporaries jumped into the MCU or stepped behind the cowl in Gotham, the Oscar-nominated actor built a legendary career on prestige dramas and visionary standalone sci-fi like Blade Runner 2049. However, that streak is officially coming to an end.

With production on Shawn Levy’s upcoming Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, now a major focus for Lucasfilm, fans have wondered: what finally changed his mind?

In a recent interview with Gizmodo/io9, Gosling opened up about his decision to step into a galaxy far, far away, citing a perfect storm of creative vision and timing.

The “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Opportunity

Speaking while promoting his other 2026 space epic, Project Hail Mary, Gosling admitted that he hasn’t been actively avoiding franchises out of spite, but rather out of a commitment to the right material.

“It was Shawn’s enthusiasm and his vision and the script,” Gosling told io9. “I just avoided these things because they never felt right. And I’m glad I did because I feel like… it was worth waiting for. It is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

For Star Wars fans, this is a massive vote of confidence. Gosling is notoriously picky; if he says the script for Starfighter is “worth waiting for,” it suggests that Lucasfilm may have a modern masterpiece on its hands.

Breaking the “No Sequel” Rule

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gosling’s career is that he has never played the same character twice. Even with a hit like Barbie or the cult status of Drive, he has consistently moved on to new challenges. By signing onto a Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie, he is entering a universe where sequels and recurring appearances are the standard.

While Star Wars: Starfighter is currently being billed as a standalone story set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the door is wide open for Gosling to become a recurring pillar of the franchise. According to internal reports, Disney executives are incredibly high on the project, with some suggesting it captures the “spirit of fun” that made the original trilogy a global phenomenon.

What We Know About Star Wars: Starfighter

Directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine), the film is set five years after Episode IX. Gosling is reportedly playing an “older mentor figure” to a young pilot played by Flynn Gray. Unlike the Skywalker Saga, which relied heavily on legacy cameos, Starfighter is expected to carve out a new corner of the galaxy with a fresh cast including Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams.

The film is currently slated for a May 28, 2027 release.

The “Gosling Effect” on the Galaxy

The addition of an actor of Gosling’s caliber, especially one who has been so selective, brings a level of “prestige” back to the theatrical side of Star Wars. After a few years focused primarily on Disney+ series, the Ryan Gosling Star Wars movie represents a return to “event cinema.”

Combined with the glowing early reactions to his work in Project Hail Mary, it’s clear that Gosling is currently the king of sci-fi. If Shawn Levy can harness that charisma and pair it with a script that finally explores the post-Sequel Era in a meaningful way, Star Wars: Starfighter may not just be another entry in the franchise, it might be the one that saves it.

Stay tuned to Outer Rim News for more updates on Star Wars: Starfighter as production continues.

Josh D’Amaro’s Star Wars Strategy: How the New CEO Plans to Save the Galaxy

Josh D’Amaro's Star Wars Strategy

As the Walt Disney Company prepares for a changing of the guard, all eyes are on Josh D’Amaro. The former Chairman of Disney Experiences is set to officially succeed Bob Iger as CEO on March 18, 2026. While D’Amaro’s resume is steeped in the success of Disney Parks, Variety’s recent deep dive into his vision reveals Josh D’Amaro’s Star Wars Strategy designed to stabilize a franchise currently navigating a complex transition period.

For Star Wars fans, D’Amaro’s promotion is a double-edged sword. On one hand, he is the executive who oversaw the launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. On the other, he inherits a Lucasfilm slate that has faced significant scrutiny and a shifting release calendar.

Modernizing the Falcon: “From Liked to Loved”

One of the most immediate signs of D’Amaro’s influence on the franchise can be found in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. During a recent design session with Walt Disney Imagineering, D’Amaro was candid about the current state of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

“Guests like it, but they don’t love it,” D’Amaro remarked. His critique centers on the lack of agency for passengers in the gunner and engineer roles. As part of his broader effort to revitalize the brand, D’Amaro is pushing for a massive software overhaul of the attraction. On May 22, 2026, both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut a new mission featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. This update isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a fundamental shift in interactivity, ensuring every rider has a significant impact on the mission’s outcome.

The AI Frontier and OpenAI Partnership

Perhaps the most controversial pillar of Josh D’Amaro’s Star Wars Strategy is the integration of artificial intelligence. Disney recently finalized a landmark $1 billion deal with OpenAI, licensing iconic characters, including those from Star Wars, for use in the Sora video-generation platform.

D’Amaro has been vocal about his belief that AI will boost, not replace, human creativity. In the Star Wars universe, this technology is being positioned as a tool for “fan engagement.” Imagine a future where Disney+ viewers can interact with a generative version of Coruscant or receive personalized storytelling experiences. While purists remain skeptical, D’Amaro views this as the next evolution of the “living story” concept he championed in the parks.

The Theatrical and Streaming Balancing Act

While D’Amaro’s background is in “Experiences,” he is working closely with newly named Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden to right the ship at Lucasfilm. The report indicates a shift toward quality over quantity. Following the high-volume output of the early 2020s, the current mandate is more focused.

Internal buzz is high for the upcoming project Star Wars: Starfighter, which insiders believe captures the “classic” feel of the original trilogy. However, there remains a healthy level of skepticism regarding The Mandalorian and Grogu film. D’Amaro’s challenge will be proving that Star Wars can still dominate the box office while managing a streaming schedule that may see a “quiet year” in 2027 as the studio refocuses its creative energy.

Gaming and the “Fortnite” Universe

Beyond the screen and the parks, D’Amaro is leaning heavily into gaming. His strategy involves a deep collaboration with Epic Games to create a persistent Disney universe within Fortnite. For Star Wars, this means the franchise will no longer just be a series of “events” or “skins” but a permanent fixture in a digital social space. This “interactivity” is a core tenet of D’Amaro’s vision for the next decade of Star Wars fandom.

A New Hope?

Josh D’Amaro’s Star Wars strategy represents a move away from the traditional media model and toward a future defined by “experience intelligence.” By focusing on interactivity, leveraging cutting-edge AI, and fixing existing fan pain points in the parks, D’Amaro is betting that the path to saving Star Wars lies in making the fans the protagonists of their own stories.

As he takes the helm this March, the galaxy far, far away is about to get a lot more personal.


Disney's next CEO Josh D'Amaro tells David Muir about company's approach to AI

This video provides a direct look at Josh D’Amaro’s communication style and his specific approach to technology and AI, which are central to his plans for the Star Wars franchise.