Daisy Ridley Weighs in on ‘Star Wars’ Movie as New Replacement Announced
Daisy Ridley is speaking out amid the ongoing turbulence surrounding her highly anticipated return to the Star Wars galaxy.
It was back in the spring of 2023 when director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy first announced that Daisy Ridley would be reprising her role as Rey in a brand-new Star Wars movie set years after Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The news, revealed at Star Wars Celebration, was met with thunderous applause, promising an exciting new chapter. Yet, nearly two years later, details remain scarce, and the path forward seems anything but clear.
Originally, the project was expected to be one of Lucasfilm’s first major theatrical releases post-The Rise of Skywalker. However, in January 2024, everything changed. Lucasfilm shifted gears, prioritizing the Mando-Verse and unveiling The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026), directed by Jon Favreau. The decision sparked debate among fans, especially with conflicting reports about whether this film will replace The Mandalorian Season 4 or serve as another installment in the journeys of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Din Grogu.
Another Star Wars theatrical slot was initially earmarked for December 2026, and many assumed this would be Ridley’s Rey Skywalker movie. However, after persistent rumors of script issues and an ever-changing lineup of writers—including the most recent, George Nolfi—that release date was instead handed to 20th Century Studios’ Ice Age 6 (2026).
That leaves The Mandalorian and Grogu as Lucasfilm’s only confirmed upcoming film. But it’s not for lack of projects. The studio has teased numerous other movies, from James Mangold’s biblical epic set 25,000 years before the Skywalker Saga, to Shawn Levy’s standalone project (which reportedly will involve Ryan Gosling), to Dave Filoni’s Mando-Verse crossover event. Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron remains an enigma. The pieces are there—but where’s the cohesive vision?
Though The Rise of Skywalker marked Rey’s last cinematic appearance, Lucasfilm has never shied away from bringing her back. The scrapped Damon Lindelof project seemingly envisioned an older Rey, possibly played by the legendary Helen Mirren, while recent comments suggest Rey remains one of Star Wars’ most valuable assets.
Now, with George Nolfi on board–the new screenwriter replacement following Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, and Steven Knight–will Ridley’s next chapter finally take shape? The actress recently shared insight into the film’s production and her role behind the scenes.
“I don’t know that I’d be a producer on it, but I certainly have been very involved,” Ridley told Collider. “I’m involved in, well, not very involved, but I’m involved in as much as I know what’s going on, I know the story, I know what’s going on with the script, so I’m aware of all that.”
“And I think what’s been really wonderful over the last few years is being more involved from the start to finish, really coming to set knowing this is the absolute best way we can tell this story,” she added. “These are the best actors for the job. This is the best crew for the job. Having that confidence is so lovely. And it’s not that I didn’t have that before, but I’m much more cognizant of it now. So in that way, I’m looking forward to turning up, really knowing the ins and outs of what the journey has been, and we’re arriving at the absolute best place to tell this particular story.”
At one point, the “New Jedi Order” movie starring Rey was widely believed to be the next chapter in the Skywalker Saga, possibly even Episode X. After all, Rey did take on the Skywalker name in The Rise of Skywalker’s closing moments. However, things took another turn with the surprise revelation that Simon Kinberg—known for his work on the X-Men franchise—had been tapped to develop a new trilogy, which could potentially be Episodes X through XII.
Right now, Star Wars is in an uncertain place. Lucasfilm is eager to return to theaters after years of Disney+ exclusivity, yet their roadmap is littered with setbacks and shifting priorities. The franchise exploded on the small screen with The Mandalorian, but has its rapid expansion left fans feeling burnt out?
Last year, The Acolyte, a show that ignited passionate debate among the fanbase drew ire. Ultimately, Disney pulled the plug, leaving many of its storylines unresolved. Skeleton Crew followed, but with significantly less buzz—perhaps to its detriment, as it struggled to capture viewership despite its hefty budget.
Could this spell trouble for the future of Star Wars storytelling? Is the galaxy far, far away losing its way?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
