Star Wars: Starfighter features lightsaber combat and Tom Cruise was on set

Jan 09, 2026

Star Wars: Starfighter director Shawn Levy has confirmed a surprise lightsaber duel scene.

In honor of the 50th anniversary ofStar Wars, a restored version ofA New Hopewill be released in theaters, as well asStarfighter, the first film to take place after the sequel trilogy. The film features a star-studded cast including Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, Mia Goth and Amy Adams.

In an interview with the New York Times, the director said that his film has a surprise lightsaber duel - and that Tom Cruise participated in it. According to Levy, during filming he was constantly visited by top Hollywood stars.

"Steven Spielberg was here last week, and now Cruise was on set," Levy said. The actor arrived on the set by helicopter. The team was preparing for a lightsaber duel in the water.

Now, when you watch the film, you will know that Tom was on the set at that time. Isn't that cool?

This confirms the appearance of the Jedi or Sith

According to the lore of Star Wars, the Jedi and Sith are not the only ones who use lightsabers. However, the films have avoided connections to other Force cults, simply because Lucasfilm is wary of diluting the iconic image. So Levy's comment seems to indicate that the film will indeed feature Jedi, and that the villains - Matt Smith and Mia Goth - will be either Dark Jedi or Sith. The first possibility cannot be ruled out, given that Baylan Skoll and Shin Hachi appeared inAhsoka.

This revelation may have ties to Rey's Jedi Order. Starfightertakes place five years after the end ofThe Rise of Skywalker . Sunrise, so the heroine could already recruit the first padawans.Perhaps Flynn Gray's character is Force-sensitive.

According to rumors, a female Jedi will appear in the film. She could have been played by Amy Adams.

The premiere of Starfighter is scheduled for May 27, 2027. Filming has been completed.