Star Wars: Starfighter Director Reveals Stranger Things Influence

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Shawn Levy, the director of the new Star Wars: Starfighter movie, says it will share a similar style to Stranger Things. Levy was a key part of the popular Netflix series, working as an executive producer and director, and even made a brief appearance as a morgue worker in the first season.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Shawn Levy shared his vision for Starfighter: he wants it to feel both grand in scope and deeply personal, much like Stranger Things. He also said that working on Stranger Things taught him to prioritize compelling characters and meaningful themes over simply meeting expectations for a big franchise. You can read the complete interview below.

Working on Stranger Things taught me not to get overwhelmed by the pressure of big franchises. It’s easy to lose sight of what matters most: the characters, the story’s themes, and the relationships between people on screen. While shows like Stranger Things and movies like Star Wars and Starfighter definitely have large-scale action and adventure – more than I’ve ever worked with before – they also keep things grounded in personal, relatable stories. If I can strike that same balance between grand spectacle and intimate character moments, like the creators of Stranger Things did, I believe I can deliver a fresh and fulfilling Star Wars adventure that fans will truly enjoy.

This comparison is designed to build excitement for Starfighter, but it follows a lot of unhappy reactions to the ending of Stranger Things. Many fans were disappointed with how the show concluded, particularly regarding what happened to the character Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown.

Some viewers felt that as Stranger Things grew bigger, especially in its fifth season, it didn’t focus as much on the close connections between characters. Now, director Shawn Levy is aiming to make a Star Wars film that successfully combines exciting adventures with strong character development.

Although Starfighter isn’t scheduled to hit theaters until May 28, 2027, director Levy announced on Instagram in December that filming had finished. The film stars Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.

While the specific story is still a secret, Noah Jupe’s character will be a key part of the show. Like Stranger Things, the series will likely focus on both children and adults as they navigate the plot, which could attract a broader audience.

I’m really excited about Starfighter and where it fits into the Star Wars universe! It’s set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, which feels like a great time to explore new stories. The director, Levy, has said it’s meant to be its own thing with completely new characters, though honestly, I can’t help but wonder if it might eventually tie into some of the other projects they’re working on. It’s fun to speculate!

While Star Wars: Starfighter is on the way, it won’t be the first new Star Wars project since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. The Mandalorian and Grogu will arrive in theaters first, on May 22, 2026. Although Stranger Things had a brief theatrical release for its finale, that series is continuing primarily on television. Unlike Stranger Things, The Mandalorian‘s story is now moving to the big screen.

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2026-01-06 06:18