The Force is strong with this one. Daisy Ridley is set to reprise her iconic role as Rey in the upcoming Star Wars: New Jedi Order, marking her triumphant return to the galaxy far, far away. Announced in April 2023, Ridley’s comeback follows her breakout performance in the sequel trilogy, where she shared the screen with legends like Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.

The previous trilogy, which introduced Ridley as the scrappy scavenger-turned-Jedi Rey, was a box office powerhouse, grossing an impressive $4.4 billion worldwide. Despite a slight decline in earnings with each installment, the films maintained critical acclaim, with all three scoring over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Now, four years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Ridley is back to lead a new chapter in the Star Wars saga. But what can fans expect from this highly anticipated film? Let’s dive in.

Table of Content

• 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

Image: disney.com

The road to New Jedi Order has been anything but smooth. While Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey is confirmed, the project has faced significant behind-the-scenes upheaval, particularly in the writing department.

Initially, Lost creator Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were tapped to write the script, but they exited the project in 2023. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight then took over, only to depart in October 2024. Lindelof later revealed in an interview with Esquire that he was “asked to leave” the Star Wars universe, sparking speculation about the film’s creative direction.

Enter George Nolfi, the seasoned Hollywood writer and director known for The Adjustment Bureau, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Ocean’s Twelve. Nolfi’s blend of sci-fi expertise and franchise experience makes him a promising choice to pen the script.

As for the cast, Ridley is the only confirmed star at this stage. However, rumors are swirling about potential returns from John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), and even Adam Driver as Ben Solo—though Driver has publicly denied any involvement.

Plot: A New Era for the Jedi

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Star Wars: New Jedi Order will take place 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, placing the story approximately 50 years after the Battle of Yavin (the iconic moment when Luke Skywalker destroyed the first Death Star).

This time jump allows Ridley to portray Rey at an age that aligns with her real-life maturity, moving away from the young scavenger we first met on Jakku. Instead, we’ll see Rey as a seasoned Jedi Master, tasked with rebuilding the Jedi Order from the ground up.

While Lucasfilm has yet to officially confirm the title New Jedi Order, it strongly hints at the film’s central theme: Rey’s efforts to restore the Jedi in a galaxy still reeling from decades of turmoil. The movie is expected to explore how the galaxy reacts to the return of the Jedi, as well as Rey’s struggle to balance tradition with innovation in her quest to rebuild the Order.

What Else to Expect: A Galaxy of Possibilities

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Lucasfilm has several Star Wars projects in development, though some have been put on hold. One of the most talked-about is a film starring Ryan Gosling, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine). While Gosling’s involvement has generated excitement, some fans remain cautious, questioning whether Levy and his team truly understand the unique lore and mythology of Star Wars.

The Star Wars universe is not just another franchise—it’s a cultural phenomenon with a rich history and deeply beloved characters. As one fan aptly put it, "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 moves forward, it’s worth reflecting on the Star Wars projects that never made it to the screen. Here are some notable ones from the recent past.

David Benioff & D.B. Weiss’ Star Wars Trilogy

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The Game of Thrones showrunners were set to helm a new Star Wars trilogy in 2018, but the project was canceled in 2019. Many speculated that the duo’s controversial ending to Game of Thrones played a role in their departure.

Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron

Image: disney.com

Announced in 2020, this film about a new generation of fighter pilots faced numerous production delays before being shelved in 2023. Jenkins recently confirmed she’s back on board, but the project’s future remains uncertain.

Kevin Feige’s Star Wars Movie

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The Marvel Studios president was set to produce a standalone Star Wars film, but the project was quietly scrapped in early 2023.

The Acolyte Season 2

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Despite its ambitious premise—set 100 years before the Skywalker Saga—The Acolyte was canceled after its first season due to mixed reviews and lower-than-expected viewership.

Conclusion: A New Hope?

With Daisy Ridley back as Rey and a new creative team at the helm, Star Wars: New Jedi Order has the potential to reignite the passion of fans worldwide. However, as with any Star Wars project, the key to success lies in staying true to the spirit of George Lucas’s original vision while pushing the story forward in fresh and exciting ways.

Only time will tell if this new chapter will live up to the legacy of the galaxy far, far away. But one thing is certain: Star Wars is back, and fans are ready to embark on another epic adventure.

May the Force be with you.