Star Wars: Starfighter Director Says the Biggest Inspiration for His Film Is Return of the Jedi: “I Know the Cool Answer Would Be Empire”

A Refreshingly Honest Look at Creative Influence

November 27, 2025: The director behind the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter is opening up about the film’s biggest creative influence — and it’s not the one most fans expect. In a recent interview, he admitted that while The Empire Strikes Back is often cited as the “cool” or critically superior answer, it was Return of the Jedi that truly shaped the tone, energy, and emotional heartbeat of his new movie.

Why Return of the Jedi Inspired the Vision

According to the director, Jedi’s blend of high-stakes action, emotional character payoff, and hopeful resolution captured exactly what he wanted audiences to feel with Starfighter. He pointed to the thrilling space battles, intimate character arcs, and sense of adventure as core elements he hopes to emulate — particularly the final act, which remains one of the most iconic sequences in the franchise.

Honoring the Spirit of Classic Star Wars

He shared that Starfighter aims to recapture the excitement of practical effects, fast-paced aerial combat, and the classic hero’s journey that defined early Star Wars. Rather than leaning into the darker tones of Empire, the director wanted a film that embraces optimism and emotional payoff, much like Jedi’s balance of fun and finality.

Fans Appreciate the Unexpected Creative Choice

Once the comments hit social media, fans responded warmly, noting that Return of the Jedi often gets overshadowed despite being a beloved piece of the saga. Many praised the director for acknowledging the film’s influence and for choosing sincerity over trying to impress critics with the expected answer.

What This Means for Starfighter

With the director confirming a lighter, more heroic energy, anticipation is building for a story that feels adventurous, nostalgic, and emotionally satisfying — the kind of Star Wars film many fans have been craving. While plot details remain under wraps, the creative direction signals a return to themes of hope, teamwork, and classic starfighter-focused storytelling.