'Starfighter' will be like 'Stranger Things'

Jan 13, 2026

Star Wars: Starfighterdirector Shawn Levy spoke about the similarities with Stranger Things. Levy was an executive producer and director of the hit Netflix series.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter the director expressed his desire that"Star Starfighterfelt “epic and intimate” in the same way asStranger Thingsdid. He also talked about how the show taught him not to be overwhelmed by franchise expectations and instead focus on the characters.

If I've learned anything from Stranger Things, it's that the scale of a franchise's expectations can be daunting. But you will go astray if you focus on this. I realized the need to stay true to the characters, underlying themes and relationships on screen. Yes, there is spectacle and scale here, just like inStranger Things. And of course,Star Warshas spectacle, scale, and adventure on a level that I have never achieved in my entire career. But likeStranger Thingsit's also heavily character-driven. I think if I can balance the epic with the intimate like the Duffer Brothers did. I will be able to create an original newStar Warsadventure that will truly satisfy fans and audiences.

Star Wars may take into account the Ranger Things bug

While this comparison is meant to drum up interest inStarfighter, it comes after the extremely mixed reaction to the ending ofStranger Things.Some fans are unhappy with how the series ended, especially regarding Eleven's fate.

A criticism ofStranger Thingshas been that as the story expands, some of the intimate moments and relationships between characters get lost. Levi promises to prevent this from happening inStar Wars.

The film's plot details are being kept under wraps for now, but Flynn Gray's young character has been confirmed to play a central role. This is another obvious parallel withStranger Thingswhere children are the focus. Ryan Gosling's character will look after him.

The premiere ofStarfighterwill take place only on May 27, 2027. Filming has already been completed.