Daisy Ridley Returns as Rey in Star Wars: New Jedi Order – What We Know So Far

Daisy Ridley's Return to the Star Wars Galaxy: A Look at Star Wars: New Jedi Order

Daisy Ridley is set to reprise her role as Rey in the upcoming Star Wars: New Jedi Order, marking a significant return to the franchise after her acclaimed performance in the sequel trilogy. Announced in April 2023, this new film follows the box-office success of the previous trilogy, which grossed $4.4 billion worldwide and garnered critical praise.

Four years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Ridley will lead a new chapter, but the journey to production has been anything but straightforward.

Image: disney.com

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges:

The project has experienced significant creative shifts, with multiple writers departing. Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson initially penned the script before exiting in 2023, followed by Steven Knight's departure in October 2024. George Nolfi, known for his work on films like The Adjustment Bureau, is now attached to write the screenplay. While Ridley's return is confirmed, the involvement of other actors, including John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver, remains unconfirmed.

A New Era for the Jedi:

Star Wars: New Jedi Order, set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker (approximately 50 years post-Battle of Yavin), will feature Rey as a seasoned Jedi Master tasked with rebuilding the Jedi Order. The film's focus will likely be on Rey's efforts to restore the Jedi and the galaxy's response to their return.

Image: disney.com

The Broader Star Wars Landscape:

Several other Star Wars projects are in development, including a film starring Ryan Gosling directed by Shawn Levy. However, the unique nature of the Star Wars universe—its rich history and iconic characters—requires a deep understanding of its lore, a point often emphasized by fans.

Cancelled Projects and What They Mean:

The development of New Jedi Order is set against the backdrop of several cancelled Star Wars projects, highlighting the challenges of navigating this complex franchise. These include:

• David Benioff & D.B. Weiss' Trilogy: Cancelled in 2019.
• Patty Jenkins' Rogue Squadron: Delayed and currently uncertain.
• Kevin Feige's Star Wars Film: Quietly scrapped in early 2023.
• The Acolyte Season 2: Cancelled after its first season.

Image: ensigame.com Image: disney.com image: x.com Image: disney.com

A New Hope for the Future?

With Ridley's return and a new creative team, Star Wars: New Jedi Order has the potential to recapture the hearts of fans. Success will depend on staying true to the spirit of the original while innovating. The future of this new chapter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Star Wars saga continues.

May the Force be with you.