Thomas Newman joins Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter as composer

Thomas Newman will score Star Wars: Starfighter with an original soundtrack, not using John Williams’ themes

Fifteen-time Oscar nominee Thomas Newman has officially joined Star Wars: Starfighter as the film’s composer, director Shawn Levy confirmed during an appearance on the On Film… With Kevin McCarthy podcast.

The collaboration marks Newman’s first entry into the Star Wars universe and signals a major musical shift for the franchise’s upcoming theatrical slate.

Levy revealed that Newman was his top choice for the project, citing the composer’s emotionally rich work on films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Road to Perdition, Finding Nemo, and American Beauty. According to Levy, the Starfighter score will not rely on remixed versions of John Williams’ iconic themes but instead pursue a fresh musical identity while still honoring the saga’s classical spirit.

Levy emphasized that he wanted a composer who shared Williams’ commitment to strong thematic storytelling. “Every movie should have a musical theme,” Levy explained. “John Williams embraced the idea that a film can have multiple themes that guide the narrative. I needed a big-hearted score from someone who doesn’t shy away from melody—and Thomas Newman was that person.”

The director said Newman accepted the offer after reading the script and hearing Levy’s vision for the film. Production on Star Wars: Starfighter is currently underway, with Levy balancing filming alongside promotional duties for the new season of Stranger Things.

The film stars Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray, and is set to bring a standalone story to theaters on May 28, 2027. With Newman’s involvement, Starfighter is expected to introduce a bold new musical direction to the expanding Star Wars universe.