Disney's Star Wars machine is quietly building toward something massive and according to industry sources, Ryan Gosling's upcoming Starfighter isn't just another standalone film. It's the foundation stone for an entirely new Star Wars trilogy designed to wash away the bitter aftertaste of the sequel trilogy's chaotic conclusion.
The leak comes from MyTimeToShineHello (a source that's proven surprisingly reliable in recent months), filtered through The Direct's reporting network. But here's what makes this particularly interesting: Disney appears to be treating this new trilogy as a soft reboot opportunity a chance to course correct after The Rise of Skywalker left fans feeling like they'd watched a franchise commit creative suicide in real time.
The Numbers Don't Lie About Disney's Star Wars Problem
Let's examine the data that's driving Disney's strategy here. The Force Awakens pulled in $2.07 billion worldwide (a staggering achievement that proved the appetite for Star Wars remained voracious). But then came the decline:
- The Last Jedi: $1.33 billion (35% drop from predecessor)
- The Rise of Skywalker: $1.07 billion (20% further decline)
- Solo: $393 million (considered a box office disaster)
Those numbers tell a story of diminishing returns and eroding fan confidence. Disney's executives (who rarely admit mistakes publicly) have been quietly acknowledging internally that the sequel trilogy's rushed production schedule and lack of cohesive vision damaged the brand's theatrical prospects.
Ryan Gosling's Starfighter: The Trilogy's Strategic Foundation
According to the leaked information, Starfighter will launch this new trilogy with Gosling as the central protagonist, a casting choice that signals Disney's intent to attract both existing fans and mainstream audiences who might've written off Star Wars after the sequel trilogy's missteps.
The timeline placement is particularly strategic. Set five years after The Rise of Skywalker (putting it around 39 ABY for the lore enthusiasts), this positioning allows the new trilogy to acknowledge the sequel trilogy's events without being constrained by them. It's narrative breathing room that the sequel trilogy never had.
But here's where the leak gets really interesting sources suggest Starfighter will feature a big cameo that could bridge the gap between trilogies. The smart money's on either Rey (Daisy Ridley's already confirmed for New Jedi Order) or potentially Finn, since John Boyega's relationship with Disney has reportedly thawed after his vocal criticisms of his character's treatment.
The Trilogy's Projected Timeline
Based on current release schedules, here's how Disney's mapping out their Star Wars trilogy rollout:
- Starfighter (May 28, 2027): Trilogy opener with Gosling
- New Jedi Order (December 17, 2027): Rey's return, 15 years post-Skywalker
- Untitled Third Film (Estimated 2029): Trilogy conclusion
That's an aggressive schedule—two films in the same year, followed by what industry analysts expect will be a massive trilogy finale. Disney's clearly betting big on this approach working where the sequel trilogy failed.
Industry Sources Reveal Disney's Internal Strategy
Multiple sources within Lucasfilm (speaking on condition of anonymity) have indicated that this new trilogy represents a fundamental shift in Disney's Star Wars approach. Gone are the days of hiring directors without clear franchise vision (looking at you, Colin Trevorrow). Instead, Disney's reportedly implementing Marvel Studios-style oversight with detailed story outlines planned years in advance.
They learned from the sequel trilogy chaos, one source explained. "No more making it up as they go along, every film in this new trilogy has its story beats locked down before cameras roll on the first one."
This represents a stark contrast to the sequel trilogy's notorious production issues, where The Last Jedi essentially ignored The Force Awakens' setup, forcing The Rise of Skywalker to desperately attempt damage control.
The Mandalorian Success Formula Applied to Theatrical Releases
The Mandalorian proved that audiences still hunger for quality Star Wars content—when it's executed properly. The series consistently ranked as Disney+'s most-watched original content, and its success directly influenced Disney's decision to greenlight The Mandalorian & Grogu for theatrical release (May 22, 2026).
Sources suggest Disney's applying The Mandalorian's "less is more" storytelling approach to this new trilogy. Instead of galaxy-spanning stakes and universe-ending threats, expect more focused, character-driven narratives that build organically toward larger conflicts.
The franchise's future hinges on whether Disney can recapture the magic that made The Force Awakens feel special, while avoiding the creative missteps that turned the sequel trilogy into a cautionary tale about corporate interference in storytelling. With Gosling's star power anchoring the project and (hopefully) lessons learned from past mistakes, this new Star Wars trilogy might just be the redemption arc the franchise desperately needs.
