Lucasfilm’s next theatrical entry in the galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: Starfighter, is now filming with a release date locked for 2027. The movie is being helmed by Shawn Levy, best known for Deadpool & Wolverine, with a cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and more. With excitement building, one question has already sparked fan speculation: could the Starfighter movie return to the lush and iconic Star Wars prequel world of Naboo?
According to production details, Starfighter is set roughly five years after The Rise of Skywalker. Levy and writer Jonathan Tropper have described it as a standalone story that pushes the saga into “uncharted time periods.” Filming is underway in the UK and Sardinia, with Lucasfilm framing this project as the first big-screen step forward after the Skywalker saga.
Naboo’s Legacy in Star Wars
For many fans, Naboo stands as one of the most memorable planets in George Lucas’ prequel trilogy. Its grand architecture, flowing waterways, and elegant culture were introduced in The Phantom Menace, making it the birthplace of both Padmé Amidala and Emperor Palpatine. The planet’s signature starfighter, the N-1 Naboo Starfighter, became an instant classic after Anakin Skywalker flew it in the climactic battle above the world.
Even after the prequels, Naboo has lingered in the background of Star Wars lore. It has been referenced in animation, books, and even in The Mandalorian, where an N-1 was repurposed as Din Djarin’s ship.
Why People Think Naboo Could Be in Starfighter
The spark came from Levy’s confirmation that parts of Starfighter will film in the Mediterranean Sea. For Star Wars fans, that location rings a bell: the same region doubled for Naboo in the prequel trilogy, including the famous Lake Como sequences of Attack of the Clones.
Anakin and Padme on Naboo – YouTube, Tom0
That location raises the obvious question — is the Starfighter movie using Mediterranean locales because Naboo is making its sequel-era debut? The speculation only grows when you consider how little we’ve seen of the planet in live-action canon since Revenge of the Sith.
Naboo’s Complex Legacy
The idea of Naboo returning isn’t just about nostalgia. It opens up questions that Star Wars has largely sidestepped for two decades.
- Palpatine’s Homeworld – Naboo was the birthplace of Emperor Palpatine. How did its citizens reconcile that fact once he rose to power and became the galaxy’s most ruthless tyrant?
- Prosperity Under the Empire – Ironically, Naboo thrived economically during Palpatine’s reign, creating a paradox: did average citizens despise their infamous Senator, or did many tolerate him because life was good?
- Canon Touchpoints – We’ve seen scattered hints: Luthen Rael carried out rebel attacks on Naboo in Andor; Naboo’s people cheered in the Return of the Jedi Special Edition; and a children’s novel tied to The Rise of Skywalker claimed Naboo rose up against the First Order after Palpatine’s final defeat.
The planet Naboo being blockaded by the Trade Federation in Star Wars – YouTube, Tom0
A Starfighter movie Naboo storyline could finally put these pieces together, exploring whether the planet’s people saw Palpatine as a hero, a villain, or both.
How Naboo Could Tie Into Starfighter
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: That Park Place previously reported on the rumor that Amy Adams may be playing EU fan favorite Mara Jade, with the plot revolving around her effort to bring Luke Skywalker’s son to Rey. If that storyline proves accurate, Naboo could serve as a symbolic backdrop — a reminder of the Skywalker family’s complicated history with the planet that produced both Padmé and Palpatine.
The capital city of Theed on Naboo being invaded – YouTube, Tom0
Even if Naboo isn’t a central location, the film’s title (Starfighter) almost begs for a connection to the N-1 Naboo Starfighter, one of the most iconic ships in the saga. A cameo or legacy reference could help bridge new material with Star Wars’ cinematic roots.
Arguments Against Naboo’s Return
Of course, Lucasfilm has pitched Starfighter as exploring “a time period never before shown on screen.” That mission suggests new territory rather than retreading familiar ground. Focusing too heavily on Naboo could risk being labeled fan service, something the franchise has been criticized for before.
Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace – YouTube, Kenobi’s Clips
Additionally, early production leaks point to entirely new characters and conflicts. Naboo may not fit the fresh direction Shawn Levy is aiming for — at least not as a primary setting.
Final Thoughts
Right now, Naboo’s presence in the Starfighter movie is purely speculative. But the Mediterranean filming locations, the ongoing fan fascination with the planet’s complicated history, and our earlier reporting on the Mara Jade rumor all point to a possibility that shouldn’t be ignored.
The funeral of Padme Amidala on Naboo – YouTube, Tom0
If Naboo does make its way into the Starfighter movie, it won’t just be a pretty backdrop. It could finally address one of Star Wars’ longest lingering questions: how did the people of Naboo really feel about their most infamous son, Emperor Palpatine?
Do you think Naboo will be featured in the Starfighter movie? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
