Anticipation is building for Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set to expand the iconic universe approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. While details about its plot remain under wraps, its budget is already a major talking point. Forbes revealed that expenditures for the film reached an impressive $226.5 million by the end of January 2026, shortly after principal photography wrapped in December 2025.

This substantial figure places Starfighter ahead of previous saga entries like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi in terms of costs at a comparable point in their production timelines. For instance, The Force Awakens had accumulated around $198 million post-filming, and The Last Jedi about $218 million. However, it still trails Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which amassed approximately $377 million a month after its own filming concluded. It's important to note that these figures represent spending during production and do not necessarily reflect the final budget, which could still increase with post-production work, particularly visual effects.

Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter primarily took place at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom, with additional scenes shot in Sardinia, Italy. The choice of the UK for a significant portion of the production has provided a financial advantage for Disney. The film has reportedly benefited from the UK's film tax relief program, recouping an estimated $51.5 million. This rebate effectively reduces the net expenditure for the production to around $175 million at this stage.

For its lead star, Ryan Gosling, Starfighter marks his most expensive film project yet, surpassing the $200 million budget of The Gray Man. Similarly, for director Shawn Levy, known for Deadpool & Wolverine (also with an estimated $200 million budget), this Star Wars venture represents his most costly directorial effort. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Amy Adams, Mia Goth, Matt Smith, and young actor Flynn Gray.

As the film moves into its extensive post-production phase, fans can look forward to Star Wars: Starfighter making its debut in May 2027, promising a new chapter in a galaxy far, far away with a blockbuster budget to match its grand ambitions.