Stardust (2007)

Last updated:
August 24, 2025

Matthew Vaughn’s Stardust (2007) is a fantasy adventure film based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name. With its blend of romance, magic, and swashbuckling adventure, it quickly became a cult favorite despite modest box office results. Here’s everything you need to know about the film, from its story structure to its hidden details.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Kingdom of Stormhold

The story begins with a king (Peter O’Toole) on his deathbed. He has many sons, and the throne will go to the one who can retrieve a magical ruby that he throws into the sky. The stone knocks a star out of the heavens, which falls to Earth in the form of a beautiful woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes).

Tristan’s Journey to Faerie

Meanwhile, in the village of Wall, Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) promises to retrieve the fallen star to impress Victoria (Sienna Miller), the woman he loves. Tristan sneaks past the guarded wall and finds himself in the magical kingdom of Faerie, where he discovers that the “fallen star” is actually Yvaine.

Witches and Princes

Unbeknownst to Tristan, others are after Yvaine too. Three ancient witches, led by Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), seek her heart to regain youth and immortality. At the same time, the surviving princes of Stormhold are on the hunt for the ruby, which is now around Yvaine’s neck.

Sky Pirates

During their journey, Tristan and Yvaine are captured by sky pirates led by Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro), a flamboyant airship captain who secretly enjoys dancing and dressing in women’s clothing. He becomes a mentor figure to Tristan, teaching him confidence and swordsmanship.

Growing Romance

As Tristan and Yvaine travel together, their bickering turns into affection. Yvaine slowly falls in love with Tristan, while he begins to realize that Victoria, the shallow woman back home, is not who he truly wants.

Convergence at the Witches’ Lair

The story builds toward a climax at the witches’ manor, where Tristan, Yvaine, Lamia, and the remaining princes collide in a chaotic final battle. Ghosts of the dead princes—who have been following the action with dark humor—watch the chaos unfold.

Movie Ending

In the final confrontation, Lamia attempts to cut out Yvaine’s heart. However, Yvaine reveals her true power: when she loves someone, her inner light shines with unstoppable force. Because she has fallen for Tristan, her radiant energy destroys Lamia. The witch crumbles into dust, ending her centuries-long quest for immortality.

With Lamia defeated, Tristan and Yvaine return to the kingdom of Stormhold. Tristan, who unknowingly is the son of the late king and a princess of Faerie, becomes the rightful heir to the throne. Yvaine is crowned queen beside him. Together, they rule the kingdom wisely and happily.

The story closes on a fairytale note: when their mortal lives end, Yvaine’s celestial nature allows them both to ascend to the stars, shining together in the night sky forever.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Stardust does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends with the narration wrapping up the fairytale story, and there are no mid-credits or after-credits teases.

Type of Movie

Stardust is a romantic fantasy adventure film. It mixes elements of fairytale, swashbuckling adventure, comedy, and dark fantasy.

Cast

Charlie Cox as Tristan Thorn
Claire Danes as Yvaine
Michelle Pfeiffer as Lamia
Robert De Niro as Captain Shakespeare
Mark Strong as Septimus
Sienna Miller as Victoria
Ricky Gervais as Ferdy the Fence
Peter O’Toole as the King of Stormhold
Rupert Everett, Mark Heap, Jason Flemyng as various princes

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Ilan Eshkeri, blending orchestral grandeur with whimsical fantasy tones. The soundtrack perfectly captures the sweeping romantic and adventurous energy of the film. Take That’s song “Rule the World” was written specifically for the movie and plays during the credits.

Filming Locations

Iceland was used for many magical landscapes, such as the moors and rocky mountains.
Scotland provided rugged countryside backdrops.
Norfolk, England was used for village scenes, including the wall dividing Faerie from the human world.
These locations enhance the mystical atmosphere, giving Faerie both a fantastical and grounded feel.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for Best Fantasy Film at the Saturn Awards.
Won Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form (shared with Neil Gaiman and Jane Goldman for adapting the novel).
Received multiple nominations for visual effects and costume design.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Neil Gaiman initially thought the film might not capture the essence of his novel, but he was very pleased with the adaptation.
Robert De Niro improvised much of his flamboyant performance as Captain Shakespeare.
Claire Danes struggled with the harness used for “glowing” flying scenes but loved the idea of being a literal star.
Matthew Vaughn left X-Men: The Last Stand to direct Stardust, believing this project was more personal.

Inspirations and References

Based on Neil Gaiman’s illustrated novel Stardust (1999).
Inspired by classic fairytales and romantic adventure films like The Princess Bride.
The character of Captain Shakespeare was expanded far beyond the book, giving Robert De Niro one of his most memorable comedic roles.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The book’s ending differs: in the novel, Tristan eventually grows old, dies, and Yvaine remains immortal, ruling alone. The film instead opts for a romantic, happily-ever-after ending with both lovers ascending to the stars. Some deleted scenes show more of the princes’ bickering and extended comedic exchanges with Ricky Gervais’s character.

Book Adaptations and Differences

In the novel, the tone is darker and more adult-oriented, with a bittersweet ending.
The film lightens the mood, adds more humor, and expands Captain Shakespeare’s role.
Victoria’s subplot is shortened in the movie, whereas the novel spends more time on Tristan’s life in Wall.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The star (Yvaine) crashing to Earth in a blaze of light.
Tristan realizing Yvaine is not a rock but a woman.
The sky pirate ship scenes with Captain Shakespeare.
Yvaine glowing with love during the final confrontation with Lamia.

Iconic Quotes

Yvaine: “You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn’t true. I know a lot about love.”
Lamia: “I shall have your heart, whether it be broken or whole.”
Tristan: “You want to grow up and get over it.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The ghosts of the dead princes serve as dark comedic observers—each bears the wound that killed them.
Victoria’s fickleness is a direct parody of shallow romance tropes in classic fairytales.
The wall itself is a metaphorical barrier between mundane reality and magical possibility.

Trivia

Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman co-wrote the screenplay; Goldman later went on to adapt more genre films like Kick-Ass and Kingsman.
Charlie Cox, who played Tristan, later gained fame as Daredevil in the Marvel series.
The film was released the same year as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and was often compared for its magical tone.

Why Watch?

Because Stardust is a rare blend of fairytale romance, witty humor, swashbuckling adventure, and a genuinely heartfelt love story. It’s perfect for fans who want a lighter but still magical alternative to epic fantasy.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

The Princess Bride (1987)
Ella Enchanted (2004)
The Golden Compass (2007)
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Stardust (2007)