Daisy Ridley Reprises Rey Role in 'Star Wars: New Jedi Order' - Key Details Revealed

The Force is undeniably strong with Daisy Ridley, who is set to reprise her iconic role as Rey in the highly anticipated Star Wars: New Jedi Order. Announced in April 2023, Ridley’s return to the galaxy far, far away marks a thrilling continuation of her journey after her standout performance in the sequel trilogy, where she starred alongside legends like Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.

The previous trilogy not only introduced Ridley as the scrappy scavenger-turned-Jedi Rey but also became a box office juggernaut, amassing a staggering $4.4 billion globally. Despite a slight dip in earnings with each successive film, the trilogy consistently garnered critical acclaim, with each installment scoring over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Now, four years after The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Ridley is poised to lead a new chapter in the Star Wars saga. Let’s explore what fans can anticipate from this eagerly awaited film.

Table of Contents

• 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
• Conclusion: A New Hope?

Behind the Scenes: A Turbulent Journey

Image: disney.com

The journey to New Jedi Order has been far from smooth. While Ridley’s return as Rey is confirmed, the project has experienced significant behind-the-scenes turmoil, particularly in the writing department.

Originally, Lost creator Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were enlisted to pen the script, but they exited the project in 2023. Subsequently, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight stepped in, only to leave in October 2024. Lindelof later shared in an Esquire interview that he was “asked to leave” the Star Wars universe, fueling speculation about the film’s creative direction.

Enter George Nolfi, a seasoned Hollywood writer and director known for The Adjustment Bureau, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Ocean’s Twelve. Nolfi’s expertise in sci-fi and franchise storytelling positions him as a promising choice to craft the script.

As for the cast, Ridley remains the only confirmed star at this point. However, rumors abound 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 is set to unfold 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, approximately 50 years post the Battle of Yavin, where Luke Skywalker famously destroyed the first Death Star.

This time leap allows Ridley to portray Rey as a mature Jedi Master, tasked with the monumental challenge of rebuilding the Jedi Order from scratch. While Lucasfilm has yet to officially confirm the title New Jedi Order, it strongly suggests the film’s core theme: Rey’s endeavor to revive the Jedi in a galaxy still grappling with decades of upheaval. The movie is expected to delve into the galaxy’s response to the Jedi’s resurgence and Rey’s struggle to harmonize tradition with innovation in her mission to reconstruct the Order.

What Else to Expect: A Galaxy of Possibilities

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Lucasfilm has several Star Wars projects in the pipeline, though some have been paused. One of the most buzzed-about is a film starring Ryan Gosling, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine). While Gosling’s involvement has sparked excitement, some fans remain skeptical, questioning whether Levy and his team truly grasp the unique lore and mythology of Star Wars.

The Star Wars universe is more than just another franchise—it’s a cultural phenomenon with a rich history and deeply cherished characters. As one fan aptly noted, "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 progresses, it’s worth reflecting on the Star Wars projects that never saw the light of day. Here are some notable ones from recent years:

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 influenced their departure.

Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron

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Announced in 2020, this film about a new generation of fighter pilots faced numerous production delays before being shelved in 2023. Jenkins recently confirmed her return to the project, but its 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 steering the ship, Star Wars: New Jedi Order holds the promise to reignite the fervor 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 propelling the story forward in fresh and exciting ways.

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

May the Force be with you.