The New York Times has a profile on Shawn Levy, whom they cite as the man who could “resuscitate” Star Wars (I have my doubts).
Levy, who recently wrapped shooting “Star Wars: Starfighter,” tells the outlet that while he was filming, he was preparing a lightsaber duel scene set in water, and then things changed once a helicopter landed on set.
Tom Cruise, who happened to be in London, visited the set just to watch the filming. Levy jokingly suggested that Cruise should help out by jumping on a camera. Cruise actually did it — he grabbed the camera himself, walked into the muddy pond, and filmed the scene.
Of course Tom Cruise would do that. It tracks.
As I’ve said before, I have my doubts about “Starfighter,” which is the brainchild of “Deadpool & Wolverine” helmer Levy, and is based on a script from Jonathan Tropper (“Your Friends & Neighbors”). Details about the plot are under wraps, though Ryan Gosling is the lead. Matt Smith and Mia Goth’s roles are said to be antagonistic. Aaron Pierre and Amy Adams are also part of the cast.
You see, moving past “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Levy is also the filmmaker behind “Big Fat Liar,” “Just Married,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “The Internship,” “Real Steel,” the “Pink Panther” reboot, “Free Guy,” and the “Night at the Museum” trilogy. Not a single good movie out of the bunch.
Disney has set a May 28, 2027 release for “Starfighter,” exactly one year after Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian & Grogu” hits theaters. Lucasfilm desperately needs these movies to be hits, and they’re counting on Favreau and Levy to deliver the goods.