Director Shawn Levy has confirmed that Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise stepped behind the camera to film a specific lightsaber sequence for the upcoming 2027 Star Wars film, Starfighter. The unexpected collaboration occurred during a set visit, marking a unique crossover between the Mission: Impossible icon and the galaxy far, far away.
From Set Visitor to Cinematographer
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Shawn Levy—best known for Deadpool & Wolverine—revealed that his production set for the Ryan Gosling-led project has attracted high-profile visitors, including Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise. The interaction with Cruise took a spontaneous turn when the actor arrived in November to a playful welcome featuring the Mission: Impossible theme song.
As Levy prepared to shoot a lightsaber duel set in a muddy lake, he jokingly suggested that Cruise should assist with the camera work. True to his reputation for total commitment, Cruise reportedly took the request literally. He waded into the water, sacrificing his footwear, to capture the action firsthand.
Confirming the Jedi Presence
Beyond the anecdote, Levy’s revelation serves as a significant confirmation for the Star Wars fanbase: Starfighter will indeed feature lightsaber combat. Since the film is set a few years following the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the presence of these iconic weapons strongly implies the involvement of Force-wielders, potentially answering long-standing questions about the status of the Jedi in this era.
What Does This Mean for Starfighter?
The confirmation of a swamp-set duel has ignited fresh speculation regarding the film’s narrative. Fans are already debating whether Starfighter serves as a secret continuation of the Skywalker Saga—possibly functioning as Episode 10—or if the duel involves characters previously unaffiliated with the Force. With heavy hitters like Ryan Gosling at the helm and the legendary Tom Cruise contributing to the cinematography, the anticipation for the 2027 release continues to build as audiences wait to see if the “Cruise-shot” scene makes a lasting impression on the big screen.
