The production of the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter has taken a legendary turn. Director Shawn Levy recently confirmed a wild behind-the-scenes story involving a surprise visit from Tom Cruise. While filming in London late last year, the action icon didn’t just watch from the sidelines. Instead, he ended up behind the lens to capture one of the movie’s most anticipated action sequences.
The Mud, the Camera, and the Lightsaber
The incident occurred during a brisk morning in November when Cruise landed his helicopter on the set. To welcome him, the crew reportedly piped the Mission: Impossible theme through the loudspeakers. Levy, who was preparing a complex lightsaber duel staged in a muddy pond, jokingly suggested that Cruise should jump on a camera.
Cruise took the suggestion seriously. He waded ankle-deep into the water—ruining his expensive shoes—and began framing shots like a seasoned cinematographer. Levy expressed his disbelief during a recent interview with the New York Times. He noted that Steven Spielberg had visited the set just a week prior, but seeing Cruise operate a camera in the mud was a highlight. Levy confirmed that the footage Cruise shot is professional-grade and will appear in the final cut of the film.
What is “Star Wars: Starfighter”?
This new project represents a bold step forward for the franchise. The story takes place approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. It follows a scoundrel-type character, played by Ryan Gosling, and his young nephew as they navigate a rebuilding galaxy. While the film is a standalone adventure, the inclusion of a lightsaber duel confirms that the Force still plays a vital role in this new era.
The film features a star-studded cast including Matt Smith, Amy Adams, Mia Goth, and Aaron Pierre. Director Shawn Levy has described the tone as a “human-scale” story that remains anchored in character relationships.
A New Era for Lucasfilm
This production comes at a time of significant change for the studio. On January 15, 2026, Lucasfilm officially announced that Dave Filoni has stepped into the role of President. He succeeds Kathleen Kennedy, who has moved into a full-time producing role after 14 years at the helm. Fans can see the results of this new creative direction when Star Wars: Starfighter hits theaters on May 28, 2027.
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