Get ready for a magical journey! Starbright premieres as a limited theatrical release in the United States on January 9, 2026. This modern fantasy fable brings together legendary actors and rising stars in a heartwarming story about courage, hope, and the light within us all.

Starbright Release Schedule Worldwide

Territory	Release Date	Format
United States	January 9, 2026	Limited Theatrical
Canada	January 9, 2026	Limited Theatrical
International	TBA 2026	Wide Release Expected

The Award-Winning Ensemble Cast

John Rhys-Davies as Raphael leads this celestial adventure as a grief-scarred elder whose faith has dimmed. The Welsh icon earned three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, winning in 2004 for Best Ensemble Cast in The Return of the King. He also received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his performance in Shōgun (1980). Beyond Gimli the dwarf, Rhys-Davies brought Indiana Jones’s loyal friend Sallah to life across the franchise, cementing his status as one of cinema’s most beloved character actors.

Alexandra Dowling stars as Aisling, a woman burdened by loss who discovers a fallen star’s living light during an eclipse. The British actress gained recognition for her role as Queen Anne in BBC’s The Musketeers and has built a reputation for portraying emotionally complex heroines in period dramas and fantasy projects.

Diego Boneta portrays Joshua, the brave stranger whose heroism transcends the ordinary. The Mexican actor and singer earned critical acclaim for his Golden Globe-nominated performance as Luis Miguel in Netflix’s biographical series Luis Miguel: The Series, winning multiple awards including a Platino Award. His Hollywood credits include Rock of Ages opposite Tom Cruise and recent rom-coms that showcase his versatility.

Ted Levine as Thomas brings gravitas to the supporting cast. Best known for his chilling portrayal of Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs (1991)—which won five Academy Awards including Best Picture—Levine earned two award nominations for that iconic role. He’s also beloved as Captain Leland Stottlemeyer in Monk (2002-2009) and appeared in acclaimed films like Heat, Shutter Island, and American Gangster, for which he received a SAG Award nomination.

Elisabeth Röhm and Christine Ebersole round out the ensemble, bringing depth to this character-driven fantasy with their extensive television and film credentials.

What Makes Starbright Special?

Directed by Francesco Lucente, who also co-wrote the screenplay, Starbright takes a refreshing approach to fantasy storytelling. Rather than relying on CGI spectacle, the film emphasizes intimate character exploration across a single dangerous night. When word spreads about the fallen star, Aisling must flee through a sleeping city with her unlikely allies—crossing rail yards, chapels, and forgotten streets while ruthless forces pursue them.

The 148-minute epic draws inspiration from classic fairy tales while addressing contemporary themes of grief, faith renewal, and finding courage in darkness. With its award-winning cast and character-focused narrative, Starbright promises to be a must-see for fans of thoughtful fantasy cinema.

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FAQs

When does Starbright come out in theaters?

Starbright releases on January 9, 2026, as a limited theatrical release in the US and Canada. Check local listings as it won’t play nationwide.

Who are the main stars in Starbright?

The film stars SAG Award winner John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings), Alexandra Dowling (The Musketeers), Golden Globe nominee Diego Boneta, and Silence of the Lambs star Ted Levine.