CHIBA, Japan — Enthusiastic attendees from Japan and countries worldwide gathered at a thrilling “Star Wars” event on Friday, where it was revealed that the next chapter of the iconic series is slated for a May 2027 release, with Ryan Gosling taking on a leading role.
During the event at the Makuhari Messe center on the outskirts of Tokyo, Gosling captivated an audience waving lightsabers. He shared a nostalgic photo featuring his childhood bedding adorned with “Star Wars” imagery, a testament to his early fascination with the legendary saga created by George Lucas.
“I suppose I was dreaming about ‘Star Wars’ even before watching the movies,” Gosling remarked with a chuckle.
The new film, titled “Star Wars: Starfighter,” will be directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on “The Pink Panther” and the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things.” He addressed the audience, revealing that the film would feature unique standalone adventures, introducing fresh characters set several years following “Episode Nine.” “Starfighter” will commence filming later this year, Levy added.
Though Levy remained tight-lipped about further details, respecting the franchise’s stringent secrecy, the unveiling of the film’s title alone sparked enthusiastic cheers from the assembled fans.
As part of the Star Wars Celebration running through the weekend, the venue was transformed into a galactic bazaar, offering a variety of “Star Wars”-themed merchandise from T-shirts and toys to books and unique collectibles. A particularly eye-catching display at the Lego booth showcased a life-sized Darth Vader complete with the character’s signature black mask and cloak, constructed entirely from Lego pieces. In a fascinating fusion of cultures, limited edition Japanese lacquerware depicted the iconic villain, with each piece priced at approximately 990,000 yen ($7,000). Meanwhile, more attainable Darth Vader T-shirts were available for around 8,000 yen ($56).
“It fills me with joy seeing so many people united by their love for ‘Star Wars,’” expressed Yoshiki Takahashi, a 26-year-old enthusiast who was proudly displaying a remote-controlled R2-D2 replica.
“I adore the cinematic direction, the distinctive sounds of blasters and lightsabers, and most importantly, the captivating storyline filled with memorable battles and profound human interaction,” he elaborated.
Complementing the vibrant cosplay culture at the event, a participant who identified himself only as Hiro, showcased his skillfully crafted Mandalorian costume, complete with armor and a plastic sword.
In attendance were also “Star Wars” devotees from a myriad of backgrounds, including Raul Herrera, a computer science educator from Chile, draped in traditional robes. When asked about his exposure to the franchise, he enthusiastically confirmed he had seen “All of them,” highlighting his appreciation for the characters’ dedication.
The expansive narratives of “Star Wars,” which have traversed intergenerational story arcs and the vast expanse of space since their inception in 1977 with Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, have established the franchise as one of the most commercially successful in history.
It seems fitting that “Star Wars” resonates with Japanese audiences, drawing parallels to the heroic samurai adventures intrinsic to the country’s folklore, akin to the timeless films of Akira Kurosawa.