CHIBA, Japan (AP) — A significant announcement was made at a “Star Wars” event held on Friday, where Lucasfilm revealed that the next installment in the iconic franchise is set to hit theaters in May 2027, starring Ryan Gosling. The excitement was palpable as Gosling took the stage in front of an enthusiastic audience, adorned with lightsabers, at the Makuhari Messe center near Tokyo.
During the event, Gosling delighted fans by sharing a photograph of his childhood bedsheets, which were covered in illustrations from the groundbreaking space epic created by George Lucas. He remarked, "I guess I was dreaming about ‘Star Wars’ even before I saw the film,” emphasizing the deep connection many fans hold with the franchise from an early age.
Director Shawn Levy also addressed the crowd, revealing that the upcoming film, titled “Star Wars: Starfighter,” will not be a prequel or sequel but rather a standalone adventure. Set several years after “Episode Nine,” the film will introduce new characters and stories. Levy announced that filming is scheduled to begin later this year but kept further details under wraps, stating, "I can’t say much about it because I understand the rules." The title of the film was projected on a large screen, inciting cheers and excitement from the crowd.
The “Star Wars Celebration,” which lasts through Sunday, features a plethora of “Star Wars”-themed merchandise including T-shirts, toys, books, manga comics, AC chargers, cellphone covers, autographs, and posters. Notably, the Lego booth showcased a life-size model of the ominous Darth Vader, crafted entirely out of Legos. This deep-breathing villain also appeared in a limited edition of traditional Japanese lacquerware earphones, priced at 990,000 yen (approximately $7,000), while more affordable Darth Vader T-shirts were available for 8,000 yen ($56).
Attendees expressed their passion for the franchise. Yoshiki Takahashi, a 26-year-old fan, shared his joy, saying, “It makes me so happy to think everyone here loves ‘Star Wars.’” He noted his appreciation for the directing, sound effects, and especially the storytelling, which combines compelling fight scenes with human drama. Another attendee, who identified himself as Hiro, showcased his self-made costume as the “Star Wars” character Mandalorian, complete with armor and a plastic sword.
The event attracted not only local fans, but also international attendees, such as Raul Herrera, a computer science teacher from Chile, who attended with friends. He expressed his admiration for the characters in the franchise, stating, “All of them,” when asked which “Star Wars” films he’d seen. Herrera highlighted the commitment of the characters as a key element that captivates him.
“Star Wars,” having first debuted in 1977 with Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, has emerged as one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history, spanning multiple generations and storylines across the galaxy. The appeal of “Star Wars” resonates strongly in Japan, where its narrative of a samurai-like hero embarking on a journey aligns with traditional Japanese fables and the legendary films of Akira Kurosawa.
