Daisy Ridley, the iconic Rey, is returning to the Star Wars universe in the upcoming Star Wars: New Jedi Order, announced in April 2023. This marks a triumphant return for Ridley following her breakout role in the sequel trilogy, where she shared the screen with legendary actors like Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. The sequel trilogy, which introduced Rey as a scrappy scavenger-turned-Jedi, was a massive box office success, grossing $4.4 billion worldwide. Despite a slight dip in earnings per film, all three installments received critical acclaim, boasting Rotten Tomatoes scores exceeding 90%.
Four years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Ridley leads a new chapter. But what awaits fans? Let's explore.
Table of Contents
- Behind the Scenes: A Turbulent Journey
- Plot: A New Era for the Jedi
- What Else to Expect: A Galaxy of Possibilities
- The Dark Side: Canceled Star Wars Projects
- David Benioff & D.B. Weiss’ Star Wars Trilogy
- Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron
- Kevin Feige’s Star Wars Movie
- The Acolyte Season 2
- Conclusion: A New Hope?
Behind the Scenes: A Turbulent Journey
The path to New Jedi Order hasn't been easy. While Daisy Ridley's return is confirmed, the project faced significant behind-the-scenes challenges, especially in the writing department. Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson initially penned the script but left in 2023. Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, took over but departed in October 2024. Lindelof later stated he was "asked to leave," fueling speculation about the film's creative direction. George Nolfi, known for films like The Adjustment Bureau and The Bourne Ultimatum, is now attached to write the script.
Ridley is the only confirmed cast member. Rumors suggest potential returns for John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), and Adam Driver as Ben Solo—though Driver has denied involvement.
Plot: A New Era for the Jedi
Star Wars: New Jedi Order is set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, roughly 50 years post-Battle of Yavin. This time jump allows Ridley to portray a more mature Rey, a seasoned Jedi Master tasked with rebuilding the Jedi Order. While Lucasfilm hasn't officially confirmed the title, it hints at the film's core: Rey's efforts to restore the Jedi in a galaxy still recovering from decades of conflict. The film will likely explore the galaxy's reaction to the Jedi's return and Rey's struggle to balance tradition with innovation.
What Else to Expect: A Galaxy of Possibilities
Lucasfilm has several Star Wars projects underway, some on hold. A film starring Ryan Gosling, directed by Shawn Levy, is generating buzz, though some fans express concern about Levy's understanding of Star Wars lore.
The Star Wars universe is more than a franchise; it's a cultural phenomenon with a rich history. As one fan noted, "Star Wars is not a Marvel movie where you can just play around and have fun. You need to understand the lore, the characters, and the mythos."
The Dark Side: Canceled Star Wars Projects
While New Jedi Order proceeds, it's worth noting past canceled projects:
David Benioff & D.B. Weiss’ Star Wars Trilogy
The Game of Thrones showrunners' trilogy, announced in 2018, was canceled in 2019, possibly due to the controversial ending of their HBO series.
Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron
Announced in 2020, this film about a new generation of fighter pilots faced delays and was shelved in 2023, though Jenkins has since confirmed its return, its future remains uncertain.
Kevin Feige’s Star Wars Movie
The Marvel Studios president's standalone Star Wars film was quietly canceled in early 2023.
The Acolyte Season 2
Set 100 years before the Skywalker Saga, The Acolyte was canceled after its first season due to mixed reviews and low viewership.
Conclusion: A New Hope?
With Daisy Ridley's return and a new creative team, Star Wars: New Jedi Order has the potential to reignite fan passion. Success hinges on staying true to George Lucas's vision while innovating. Only time will tell if this new chapter lives up to the legacy of the galaxy far, far away. But one thing's certain: Star Wars is back, and fans are ready for a new adventure. May the Force be with you.
