Daisy Ridley returns as Rey in Star Wars: New Jedi Order

The Force awakens once more as Daisy Ridley prepares to reprise her legendary role as Rey in Star Wars: New Jedi Order, marking her grand return to the iconic franchise. Originally revealed in April 2023, Ridley's comeback follows her star-making turn in the sequel trilogy alongside screen legends Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.

The previous trilogy, which introduced Ridley as the resilient scavenger-turned-Jedi, became a box office juggernaut, earning an astronomical $4.4 billion globally. While each subsequent installment saw slightly diminished returns, the films maintained critical praise with all three achieving over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Now, five years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Ridley returns to helm a fresh Star Wars era. What surprises await fans? Let's explore further.

Behind the Scenes: A Troubled Production

The path to New Jedi Order has been riddled with challenges. While Ridley's involvement is confirmed, the project has weathered major creative shifts, particularly in its writing team.

Originally, Lost showrunner Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were attached as writers before exiting in 2023. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight subsequently took over, only to depart in October 2024. In an Esquire interview, Lindelof later disclosed he was "asked to leave" the Star Wars universe, fueling speculation about the film's direction.

Enter George Nolfi, the acclaimed filmmaker behind The Adjustment Bureau and The Bourne Ultimatum. Nolfi's proven track record with sci-fi and major franchises positions him as an ideal candidate to shape the screenplay.

While Ridley remains the only confirmed cast member, rumors persist about potential returns from John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), and even Adam Driver as Ben Solo—though Driver has publicly denied participation.

Plot: Rebuilding the Jedi Order

Star Wars: New Jedi Order is set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, approximately five decades following the Battle of Yavin (Luke Skywalker's legendary destruction of the first Death Star).

This time jump allows Ridley to portray a more mature Rey, far removed from the young Jakku scavenger we first encountered. Instead, we'll witness Rey as an established Jedi Master, undertaking the monumental task of reconstructing the Jedi Order from its foundations.

Though Lucasfilm hasn't officially confirmed New Jedi Order as the final title, it strongly suggests the film's core narrative: Rey's mission to restore the Jedi in a galaxy still recovering from prolonged conflict. The story will likely explore the galaxy's reaction to the Jedi's return, along with Rey's challenge to balance tradition with innovation while reviving the Order.

Expanding the Galaxy: Other Potential Projects

While developing New Jedi Order, Lucasfilm has several other Star Wars ventures in various stages, though some remain on hold. Among the most anticipated is a film starring Ryan Gosling, helmed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine). Although Gosling's involvement has generated buzz, some fans express reservations about whether Levy's team fully grasps Star Wars' intricate lore.

As one dedicated fan noted, "Star Wars demands more than just blockbuster spectacle. It requires deep respect for its established mythology and beloved characters."

Lost Star Wars: Canceled Projects

As New Jedi Order progresses, let's revisit notable Star Wars projects that never reached fruition.

David Benioff & D.B. Weiss’ Abandoned Trilogy

The Game of Thrones showrunners were slated to launch a new Star Wars trilogy in 2018, but the project collapsed in 2019. Many attributed this to backlash over their controversial Game of Thrones finale.

Patty Jenkins’ Stalled Rogue Squadron

Announced in 2020, this fighter pilot-focused film endured repeated delays before being shelved in 2023. Jenkins recently hinted at her return, though the project's status remains unclear.

Kevin Feige’s Scrapped Star Wars Film

The Marvel Studios president was set to produce a standalone Star Wars movie, but plans were quietly abandoned in early 2023.

The Acolyte’s Premature End

Despite its bold premise—set a century before the Skywalker Saga—The Acolyte was axed after one season due to mixed reception and underwhelming viewership.

The Path Forward

With Daisy Ridley returning as Rey and new creative leadership, Star Wars: New Jedi Order could rekindle the franchise's magic. However, its success hinges on honoring George Lucas' original vision while charting an innovative course for the saga.

As the galaxy far, far away prepares for its next chapter, one truth remains: Star Wars continues to captivate, and fans eagerly await its next adventure.

May the Force be with you.