The future of the Star Wars franchise seems increasingly uncertain, especially with the recent news regarding the potential sequel centering on Rey Skywalker, played by Daisy Ridley. Following the mixed reception of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which left many fans divided, Disney is struggling to find a clear path forward for the saga.
Initially, Damon Lindelof was tapped to write the sequel, but he was replaced by Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders. However, Knight has now exited the project, raising concerns about its viability. With the loss of yet another screenwriter in less than a year, it appears that production for this untitled Rey film might be delayed until mid-2025 at the earliest, if it even proceeds at all. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, acclaimed for her documentaries and work on Ms. Marvel, is still set to direct, but the project seems to be in limbo.
Fans are left wondering whether this film will ever see the light of day. The current landscape of Star Wars projects is fraught with uncertainty, with only a handful of potential films on the horizon. James Mangold’s film exploring the Dawn of the Jedi, Shawn Levy’s project moving at a snail’s pace, and Taika Waititi’s project on indefinite hold suggest that the franchise is in a state of disarray. Rian Johnson’s planned trilogy appears to be off the table, while Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron remains stuck in development hell.
Given the character’s deep ties to the Skywalker saga, many fans are questioning whether a Rey-centric film can stand on its own. There have been discussions about potentially adapting elements from the New Jedi Order series, which could involve the inclusion of the Yuuzhan Vong—an interesting idea that might reinvigorate the franchise. However, with Disney’s current lack of cohesive direction, many are skeptical about whether such ambitious plans can be successfully executed.
For now, the only Star Wars films that seem certain are Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu, set for a 2026 release, and Dave Filoni’s untitled sequel, which is expected to wrap up the interconnected Mandoverse timeline. As for Rey’s journey, it remains shrouded in uncertainty, leaving fans to ponder the fate of Star Wars in the years to come.