Thomas Newman To Compose Score For Star Wars: Starfighter

LOS ANGELES, CA — Director Shawn Levy announced on a recent podcast that renowned composer Thomas Newman will score the upcoming film, Star Wars: Starfighter. Levy, who also directed Stranger Things, revealed the news during an interview with Kevin McCarthy.

Levy expressed his excitement about Newman’s involvement, stating, “He is a maestro. If you ask me to name my favorite scores, five of the top 10 are Thomas Newman’s.” Newman, a 15-time Oscar nominee, is known for acclaimed scores in films like The Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty, and Finding Nemo.

During the interview, Levy clarified that Newman’s score will not remix John Williams’ iconic themes. “It’s not gonna be remixes of Williams’ cues. It may be inspired by some of that, but I knew that I needed a big-hearted movie score from a composer who, like John Williams, doesn’t shy away from themes,” Levy stated.

Newman will be only the fifth composer to score a Star Wars film, following Kevin Kiner, Michael Giacchino, John Powell, and Ludwig Göransson. Levy explained the collaboration by sharing how he contacted Newman with his vision for the film. Newman responded positively after reviewing the script.

Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray, and it takes place five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Principal photography began on August 28 and is ongoing.