Mia Goth Joins Star Wars: Starfighter as a Villain – What We Know So Far

The Star Wars universe is getting bigger, darker, and more exciting with its upcoming standalone movie Star Wars: Starfighter. Scheduled for a grand release on May 28, 2027, the film is already making waves and the latest news that has fans buzzing is the casting of Mia Goth as a major villain. Known for her intense roles in horror and indie films, Goth brings a different flavor to the galaxy far, far away.

This time there’s a new twist to the world of Star Wars – with a psychological villain, a grounded story, and new character arcs. This movie is completely taking a fresh approach in which there will be no traditional Jedi vs Sith angle. This time the story will be more human and emotional in tone, in which there will be a balance of thrill and character depth. With the entry of Mia Goth, the level of psychological tension in the movie can reach the next level.

Let’s dive deep into the plot details, casting announcements, production timeline, and fan theories surrounding Star Wars: Starfighter.

Who is Mia Goth and Why Her Casting Matters

Mia Goth is not a typical blockbuster name – yet. Over the years, she’s built a powerful reputation for her emotionally raw and boundary-pushing performances in films like X, Pearl, and the upcoming MaXXXine. Her work with director Ti West and her eerie, magnetic screen presence have earned her the title of a modern scream queen.

But now, she’s venturing into the sci-fi realm with Star Wars: Starfighter, and that has both fans and critics intrigued.

Goth will be playing one of the key antagonists in the movie. Initially, this villain role was offered to Mikey Madison, who recently won acclaim for her performance in Anora. However, Madison reportedly turned down the role over salary disagreements. Lucasfilm quickly pivoted and landed Goth, and by all accounts, it might turn out to be a casting masterstroke.

Goth’s ability to blend vulnerability with menace makes her a perfect fit for a character on the darker side of the Force.

Plot Overview: A New Hero and a Fresh Conflict

Unlike previous Star Wars sagas, Starfighter won’t focus on Jedi, Sith, or the Skywalker lineage. Instead, this story is more grounded and character-driven. According to a report by ComingSoon.net and ComicBookMovie, the film centers around a 15-year-old boy and his uncle, who is played by Ryan Gosling.

The uncle is a seasoned pilot, likely a veteran of the galactic wars, who is protecting his nephew from a dangerous mission gone wrong. The pair find themselves being hunted by a duo of villains – one of them now confirmed to be played by Mia Goth. Their journey through uncharted regions of the galaxy will reportedly uncover new enemies, allies, and a deeper layer of the Star Wars mythos.

Director Shawn Levy (known for Stranger Things and Deadpool & Wolverine) has said the film will be “emotional, epic, and character-first,” setting the tone for a story that could resonate with both old and new fans.

Who Else is Involved? Director, Writer, and Production Team

Starfighter is directed by Shawn Levy, who also directed Deadpool & Wolverine. The script has been rewritten by Jonathan Tropper, aiming to provide a tight, compelling narrative that diverges from the typical light-vs-dark plot.

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, is overseeing the production. With Levy and Kennedy at the helm, the film is expected to combine strong emotional arcs with visual spectacle. Filming is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025, primarily in the U.K., which continues to serve as a production hub for the Star Wars franchise.

What Makes Mia Goth’s Villain Different?

Star Wars has had its share of iconic villains: Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Kylo Ren. But none quite like Mia Goth’s character, if early rumors are true.

Insiders suggest that she will play a mysterious pursuer, part of a faction that is neither Sith nor Jedi—a rogue element that thrives in the power vacuum post-Rise of Skywalker. This opens up exciting possibilities for new ideologies, tactics, and motivations.

Goth’s previous performances hint at a character that could be psychologically complex rather than just physically threatening. A villain with a traumatic past? A defector with twisted morals? Theories are already flooding Reddit and fan forums.

And this is what makes the movie even more intriguing. The concept of a psychological villain has been little explored in Star Wars so far. Mia’s character will scare you not just with the force or the lightsaber, but with her mind games and emotional manipulation.

Fan Reactions and Online Buzz

The internet has exploded with reactions since the casting news broke. On Twitter, fans are praising Lucasfilm for thinking outside the box.

“Mia Goth in Star Wars? Inject it into my veins.”

“This could be the darkest, most personal Star Wars yet. Finally something fresh.”

Of course, some fans are skeptical. The Star Wars fanbase is famously divided on any creative decision. But even critics of the sequel trilogy seem cautiously optimistic about this new direction.

This buzz proves that Mia’s casting is not safe, it is a bold move. And Log likes bold moves – especially when a franchise like Star Wars takes risks.

What About Ryan Gosling?

Ryan Gosling’s casting was also a surprise. Known for his emotionally charged performances in Blade Runner 2049, Drive, and La La Land, Gosling is expected to bring depth to the role of the uncle/mentor. His presence adds gravitas and star power, perfectly complementing Goth’s intensity.

Together, they could redefine the hero-villain dynamic in Star Wars lore.

Star Wars Timeline: Where Does Starfighter Fit?

The events of Starfighter take place five years after The Rise of Skywalker. That positions the film in a time of uncertainty and rebuilding. With the Sith defeated and the Resistance scattered, it’s the perfect setting for new threats to emerge.

This timeline allows the filmmakers to stay in familiar territory while introducing new lore, planets, and characters. It also avoids the continuity traps of the Skywalker saga.

This would be a world where factions would be rising, and new ideologies would be coming to the fore – and this is what makes Mia’s villain character relevant. She belongs to the chaos of this new age.

Final Thoughts: A New Hope for Star Wars?

With The Mandalorian and Andor pushing the boundaries of Star Wars storytelling on Disney+, Starfighter seems poised to do the same on the big screen. It’s standalone, yet significant. Grounded, yet galactic. Emotional, yet full of action.

The casting of Mia Goth as a villain may be one of the boldest moves Lucasfilm has made in recent memory. It signals a commitment to character-driven storytelling, intense performances, and exploring new shades of morality in a galaxy that has often been painted in black and white.

If done right, Star Wars: Starfighter could be a turning point – not just for the franchise, but for sci-fi cinema as a whole.

Mark your calendars for May 28, 2027, because the Force is about to get a little more unhinged.