Star Wars: Starfighter and the Ongoing Absence of Alien Protagonists

Shawn Levy's upcoming film, *Star Wars: Starfighter*, is set to release on May 28, 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the *Star Wars* franchise. The film will take place after *Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker*, featuring Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray in lead roles. A recent set photo revealed the actors in scavenger-like attire, hinting at a continuation of the franchise's trend of human-centric protagonists.

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Critics argue that the absence of alien protagonists in *Star Wars: Starfighter* limits the franchise's potential for expansive worldbuilding. While humans are the most populous species in the *Star Wars* galaxy, they represent only one of over 20 million sentient species. Historically, alien characters have often played secondary roles, with notable exceptions like Ahsoka Tano in animated series. An alien lead could signify a shift in the galaxy's narrative, particularly following the fall of the First Order, which was characterized by human-centric governance.

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Opponents of alien protagonists cite potential relatability issues, suggesting that audiences may struggle to connect with non-human characters. However, successful portrayals of alien characters in *Star Wars* and other franchises, such as the Na'vi in *Avatar*, demonstrate that emotional connections can transcend physical appearance. Concerns about the practicality of using prosthetics or CGI for alien characters are also raised, as these techniques could hinder an actor's performance or recognition. Nevertheless, species like Twi'leks and Mirialans offer opportunities for alien representation without compromising actor visibility.

50 Years Later, Ryan Gosling’s New Star Wars Movie Continues the Saga’s Most Disappointing Trend

The financial backdrop of the *Star Wars* franchise is significant, particularly in light of *The Rise of Skywalker*, which has been reported to have a staggering production budget of approximately $593 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever made. This figure includes extensive marketing and reshoots, reflecting the challenges faced during production. The high costs associated with the sequel trilogy have led Disney to slow its theatrical output, focusing instead on streaming content.

Report: Disney Spent Nearly $600M To Make ‘Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker’ — World of ReelSTAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER's REAL Budget Revealed (And It's One Of The Most Expensive Movies Ever)50 Years Later, Ryan Gosling’s New Star Wars Movie Continues the Saga’s Most Disappointing Trend

Lucasfilm has not publicly addressed the decision to exclude alien protagonists in *Starfighter*. However, the studio is reportedly looking to rectify past missteps with future projects, including a Rey-led film featuring Daisy Ridley. Ridley has expressed optimism about the direction of her character's story, indicating a commitment to evolving the franchise.

50 Years Later, Ryan Gosling’s New Star Wars Movie Continues the Saga’s Most Disappointing Trend

The decision to prioritize human characters in *Starfighter* has drawn criticism from fans and commentators who believe it represents a missed opportunity to diversify the narrative landscape of the *Star Wars* universe. The ongoing trend of human-centric storytelling raises questions about the franchise's willingness to embrace its rich tapestry of alien species.

50 Years Later, Ryan Gosling’s New Star Wars Movie Continues the Saga’s Most Disappointing Trend

Following *Starfighter*, the *Star Wars* franchise will continue to explore new narratives, including Jon Favreau's *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, scheduled for release on May 22, 2026. As the franchise evolves, the potential for alien protagonists remains a topic of discussion among fans and creators alike.

50 Years Later, Ryan Gosling’s New Star Wars Movie Continues the Saga’s Most Disappointing Trend

• “Human leads have worked well for the Star Wars franchise up to this point, and Gosling has a strong track record, so there is no reason to believe that Starfighter will suffer for its lack of an alien protagonist; it simply missed an exciting opportunity to do something that no other live-action Star Wars film has.” — Anonymous Source

50 Years Later, Ryan Gosling’s New Star Wars Movie Continues the Saga’s Most Disappointing Trend

• “Yet, if it improved the film, the additional time and money would be worth it.” — Anonymous Source

50 Years Later, Ryan Gosling’s New Star Wars Movie Continues the Saga’s Most Disappointing Trend

• “You don’t want people to feel like you’ve not served the thing they’re a fan of.” — Daisy Ridley, Actress

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