Star Wars: Starfighter director says the biggest inspiration for his film is Return of the Jedi: “I know the cool answer would be Empire”

Star Wars: Starfighter director Shawn Levy has shared insights regarding the Star Wars film that most motivates his forthcoming project, which is set in a new, uncharted era of the series, and it’s somewhat of an underdog choice: Return of the Jedi.

While enthusiasts around my age (who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s) generally view Return of the Jedi as an adored installment in the Star Wars saga, for those who were older teenagers and adults during its release, it was the most immediately contentious of the original trilogy, largely due to the teddy bear-like Ewoks. Fortunately for me and other fans from a specific period, Levy aligns with our perspective in the argument.

“Let me tell you something. People – I haven’t expressed this out loud because everyone’s like, ‘Which Star Wars film does Starfighter resemble most? Which one is it inspired by?’ To be truthful – I realize the stylish answer would be Empire, and the somewhat indisputable answer would be A New Hope – but it’s in fact Jedi,” Levy remarks on the On Film… With Kevin McCarthy podcast.

“It’s Jedi due to the blend of themes, humor, adventure, emotion, and spectacle. Somehow that film just resonated with me,” he elaborates. “And I attended that movie so many times in a cinema, more times than New Hope and Empire, and it lingered with me. I will share…there are instances where I’m on set, and I sense that child is with me, in the director’s seat. Like I’m there realizing his aspirations.”

That’s delightful to hear, as I’m also a fan of Return of the Jedi. It was the inaugural Star Wars film I witnessed as a child, likely during one of the film’s initial broadcasts on television in the late ’80s. I was naturally enchanted by every detail, from the all-time-great opening sequence to the debated Ewoks, and of course the crucial final encounter between Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and the Emperor.

I feel the same about Return of the Jedi as fans a decade or so younger than me do about the prequels – I guard my affection for it, despite recognizing that portions of it were isolating to older viewers at its first release. The concept of a Star Wars narrative set in a fresh era less linked to the Skywalker Saga might be what is necessary to revive my interest in the franchise, especially with the director referencing my personal favorite film.

Star Wars: Starfighter is currently under development for a May 28, 2027 theatrical launch. While we await, stay informed on all the forthcoming Star Wars movies and series that are in production, and immerse yourself in our list of the finest Star Wars films, ranked.

I’ve been Newsarama’s resident Marvel Comics specialist and general comic book historian since 2011. I’ve also acted as the on-site correspondent at most major comic conventions such as Comic-Con International: San Diego, New York Comic Con, and C2E2. Beyond comic journalism, I am the illustrator of many unusual images and the guitarist of numerous heavy riffs. (They/Them)