Last year, Lucasfilm unveiled several exciting film initiatives within the Star Wars universe, one of which centers on Rey (Daisy Ridley) as she strives to restore the Jedi Order after the events of 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker. Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, confirmed during an interview with IGN that this film will unfold 15 years after the Sequel Trilogy and will depict the Jedi as being “in disarray,” with Rey endeavoring to reshape the Order “based on the books, based on what she promised Luke (Mark Hamill).”
However, progress on this project has seen some delays. The original writers, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, left the film in March 2023, and their successor, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, has also reportedly exited recently. On her part, Daisy Ridley has been somewhat reserved regarding the project’s current status. Nonetheless, during a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, she discussed her preparations to return to the iconic role that transformed her career.
Ridley expressed her mixed feelings about revisiting Rey. “I feel like the new one/new ones will be so interesting. Time has passed and a lot has changed for me personally,” she shared. “It’ll be interesting to come back to someone who I know so well, but in such a different moment. For me to inhabit Rey again after all the time that we haven’t seen her, it’s actually scary, but it’s also exciting.”
Given the significant time that has elapsed since Ridley last portrayed Rey in The Rise of Skywalker, it’s understandable that returning to her character might both thrill and intimidate her. Ridley catapulted to fame with her breakout performance as Rey in 2015’s Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, and she has grown considerably as an actress over the years. For fans of the franchise, it will be fascinating to see her revisit a role she took on when she was still finding her footing in the industry.
At this point, it remains uncertain when audiences will catch sight of Ridley as Rey again. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still attached to direct, but recent departures of key writers have raised questions about when production might commence and the film’s potential release date. The pressure is on this project to launch a successful new era for Star Wars post-Sequel Trilogy, which may explain why Lucasfilm is taking extra time in its development.
In the meantime, while fans eagerly await updates on this film and Ridley continues her preparations to don her Jedi robes again, Lucasfilm has several other film and television projects in the works. One notable title is The Mandalorian & Grogu, currently slated for release on May 22, 2026.
