To everyone’s surprise, Disney insists on building on the controversial Star Wars sequel trilogy with an upcoming movie starring Daisy Ridley as Rey.
Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the House of Mouse is positioning the upcoming follow-up as a big deal. Fittingly enough, it brought in Obaid-Chinoy as its director, who will be the first woman to direct a Star Wars movie for theatrical release. The film is set roughly 15 years following the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, leading to speculation about Rey’s journey since then and her potential role in rebuilding the Jedi Order.
In a recent interview with CNN, Obaid-Chinoy expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special. And we’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away.” The statement is proof of just how important her role is in the Star Wars universe. But, perhaps more importantly, it hints that production may start soon. Recent rumors have suggested that production on Star Wars: New Jedi Order could begin as early as spring 2024.
While the release date of Star Wars: New Jedi Order isn’t firmly established, Disney’s open slots in the release calendar suggest a potential premiere as early as December 19, 2025. If production begins in the next few months, this date isn’t unrealistic. Other possibilities include December 17, 2027, and December 21, 2029. Given the lack of a Star Wars movie since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, the 2025 date appears most likely, especially if Disney wants to reignite interest in the franchise outside of the streaming space again.
Daisy Ridley, reprising her role as Rey, teased in an interview with Collider that the planned story for the new film is “not what I expected.” Although she had not read a script at the time of her comments, it’s possible that she has since been briefed on the storyline. If production begins soon, more official news and announcements are anticipated to follow.
Unfortunately, the film’s storyline remains under wraps, but the premise is Ridley’s character will attempt to establish a New Jedi Order. This narrative direction offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe and suggests a continuation of Rey’s journey from where fans last saw her.
Interestingly, Adam Driver, who played Kylo Ren, indicated that he isn’t involved in any Star Wars project following the conclusion of his character’s arc in The Rise of Skywalker. While death has never been a definitive end in the Star Wars universe, Driver has stated that he has finished with the franchise.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s involvement in New Jedi Order signifies a groundbreaking moment for the franchise. Her appointment as the first woman to direct a Star Wars film is a step toward greater diversity and representation in the film industry. Her past work, known for its dynamic storytelling and visionary approach, has set high expectations for this upcoming project.
With that said, Obaid-Chinoy’s and Ridley’s comments have amplified the anticipation, suggesting that the upcoming film will strive to honor the series’ past while forging new ground.
Whether or not it will be as divisive as the sequel trilogy or if it will engage long-time fans and new audiences remains a mystery. But, at the very least, this recent update suggests that it’s on the right track.
As the production timeline becomes clearer and more details emerge, the excitement for New Jedi Order should only continue to build.
In the meantime, Star Wars fans can look forward to the release of Star Wars Outlaws sometime later this year.
