Star Wars: New Jedi Order — Is Rey Skywalker About to Save or Redefine the Jedi Forever?

Let’s be honest. When the credits rolled on The Rise of Skywalker, it felt… final. The Emperor was (truly, finally, hopefully) gone, the Sith were defeated, and Rey stood alone, adopting the Skywalker name as she gazed at the twin suns of Tatooine. It felt like an ending. A messy, controversial, but definite ending to a nine-movie saga.

But in the world of Star Wars, is anything ever truly over?

For a while, it seemed the franchise was content to explore the past with shows like The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Andor. The future of the galaxy remained a tantalizing mystery. But the silence has broken. The Force is awakening once more, and this time, it’s calling for a new generation. Lucasfilm has officially announced that the next chapter is coming to the big screen, and its title says it all: Star Wars: New Jedi Order.

This isn’t just a rumor or a whisper on the HoloNet. This is real. Daisy Ridley is returning as Rey Skywalker, tasked with the monumental challenge of rebuilding the Jedi Order from the ashes of the old. But what does that even mean in a galaxy scarred by war and betrayal? And can this film succeed where the sequel trilogy sometimes stumbled?

As of 2025, we’re standing at the edge of a new era for Star Wars, and I’ve been digging through every announcement, interview, and production detail to bring you the most comprehensive deep dive possible. Let’s jump to lightspeed and explore everything we know about the movie that will define the future of the galaxy. 🚀

1. The Galaxy Reawakens: What is the ‘New Jedi Order’ Movie Actually About?

Forget everything you think you know about the Jedi of the Prequel era. The core premise of Star Wars: New Jedi Order is set roughly 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. This time jump is crucial. It gives the galaxy time to breathe, to heal, and for new problems to fester.

At the heart of the story is Rey’s mission: to do what Luke Skywalker tried and failed to do. She must build a new Jedi Academy. But Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has emphasized that this won’t be a simple rehash. Rey isn’t just looking for students; she’s forging a new path for the Jedi, one that learns from the catastrophic failures of the past.

Think about it. The old Jedi Order grew arrogant, became entangled in politics, and was ultimately wiped out by its own hubris. Luke’s attempt was destroyed by his fear and a moment of weakness. Rey carries the weight of all that history. Her central conflict will likely be:

• How do you build an institution of light without creating shadows?
• What should the Jedi look like in a galaxy that might not even want them back?
• How do you teach control of the Force without enforcing the rigid, emotion-suppressing dogma that led to Anakin Skywalker’s fall?

This is fascinating, fertile ground for storytelling. It’s less about a galactic super-weapon and more about a deep, philosophical struggle.

2. The Return of a Master: Daisy Ridley is Back as Rey Skywalker

The biggest news, of course, is the return of Daisy Ridley. When we last saw Rey, she was a powerful but still developing Force-user who had just discovered her lineage and chosen her own path. Fifteen years later, she won’t be a student anymore. She will be Jedi Master Rey Skywalker.

Her return is a huge vote of confidence from Lucasfilm, reaffirming her place as the central hero of this new era. But the Rey we meet in this film will be fundamentally different.

• She’s a Veteran: She fought Palpatine and stared into the abyss of the dark side. That leaves scars.
• She’s a Leader: She’s no longer just surviving; she’s responsible for the future of the Jedi. The pressure must be immense.
• She’s (Probably) Alone: Unless other Force-sensitives have emerged, she is the last link to the teachings of Luke and Leia. That’s a lonely position to be in.

I, for one, am thrilled to see a more mature, confident Rey. The sequel trilogy was about her becoming a hero. This film has the potential to explore what it means to be a hero, long after the victory parade is over. It’s the “what comes next” that is often the most compelling part of a journey.

3. A New Vision: The Minds Behind the Camera

A film is only as good as its creative team, and Lucasfilm has made some bold, and frankly, very interesting choices for New Jedi Order.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy: A Historic and Controversial Choice

The director’s chair will be filled by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a two-time Academy Award-winning documentarian (Saving Face, A Girl in the River) and director on the acclaimed Disney+ series Ms. Marvel. This is a historic move, making her the first woman and the first person of color to direct a Star Wars feature film.

Her background in documentary filmmaking suggests a focus on raw, human emotion and grounded storytelling. Her work on Ms. Marvel proved she can handle vibrant, character-driven action with a lot of heart.

However, her appointment hasn’t been without controversy. A quote from a 2015 event resurfaced where she said, “I like to make men uncomfortable. I enjoy making them uncomfortable.” While taken out of context by some online circles (the full quote was about making men who are comfortable with the oppression of women uncomfortable), it fueled a predictable wave of backlash.

Regardless of where you stand, her voice promises a perspective we have never seen in a Star Wars film before. It’s a bold choice, and bold is what Star Wars needs right now.

Steven Knight: From Peaky Blinders to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Handling the script is Steven Knight, the creator and writer behind the phenomenal series Peaky Blinders. If you’ve seen that show, you know Knight excels at crafting morally complex characters, sharp dialogue, and intricate, slow-burn plots.

This is an absolutely fascinating pairing. The man who wrote about gangsters in 1920s Birmingham is now writing about Jedi in a galaxy far, far away. This could signal a tonal shift for Star Wars—perhaps something a bit grittier, more politically complex, and less black-and-white. Imagine a Star Wars movie with the character depth and tension of a premium crime drama. The potential is electrifying.

4. Plot Whispers & Theories (Updated for June 2025)

With the film still in pre-production, the plot is a tightly guarded secret. But based on official statements and logical deduction, we can piece together a few theories.

Who is the Villain?

The Sith are gone. The First Order is defeated. So, who is the new threat? It almost certainly has to be something new. The galaxy doesn’t need another Death Star or Starkiller Base. Here are the leading theories:

• An Ancient, Non-Sith Threat: Something that has been dormant for millennia, perhaps from the Unknown Regions. Think of a Force-wielding cult with a completely different philosophy than the Jedi or Sith.
• A Political Foe: What if the enemy isn’t a person, but an idea? A growing movement within the New Republic that fears the return of the Jedi and seeks to outlaw them. This would create a powerful ideological conflict for Rey.
• A Student Who Falls: The classic Star Wars trope. Rey’s first prize pupil could be tempted by a new darkness, forcing her to confront her own potential failures as a teacher, just like Luke did.

Will Finn, Poe, or Other Familiar Faces Return?

As of now, only Daisy Ridley is officially confirmed. John Boyega has expressed a desire to return only if the whole main cast (including Oscar Isaac) is involved. It seems likely that we’ll at least hear mentions of General Poe Dameron and the former stormtrooper Finn, who was revealed to be Force-sensitive himself. His journey could be a natural and compelling part of a New Jedi Order. My bet? We’ll see at least one of them return, even if it’s just a cameo, to anchor the story.

Is This Based on the ‘Legends’ Books?

This is a big one for long-time fans. The answer is a clear no. The old expanded universe (now called “Legends”) had a book series titled The New Jedi Order. It was a sprawling, epic tale involving an extra-galactic alien species called the Yuuzhan Vong. While the movie shares a title and a basic concept (rebuilding the Order), Lucasfilm has confirmed it is telling a completely original story.

5. The Big Question: When Can We Actually Watch It?

Okay, the most important question of all: When is this movie actually coming out?

Lucasfilm has two Star Wars movie release dates reserved: May 22, 2026, and December 18, 2026. It’s widely believed that Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu will take the May slot, making the December 18, 2026, date the most likely target for Star Wars: New Jedi Order.

However, film production is a long and complex process. With the script still being perfected in 2025, filming would likely begin in early 2026. A December 2026 release is ambitious but possible. It wouldn’t be surprising if it slipped into May 2027 to ensure the creative team has the time to get it right. After the rushed production of the last trilogy, I think we’d all prefer they take their time.

Conclusion: A New Hope for the Future

The Star Wars: New Jedi Order movie is more than just another entry in the franchise. It’s a litmus test. It represents Lucasfilm’s attempt to finally and decisively move the narrative forward, beyond the shadow of the Skywalkers (even as one of them leads the charge).

The creative team is inspired, the premise is philosophically rich, and the return of Rey gives us a beloved hero to root for. The pressure is on, not just to make a great movie, but to lay a stable foundation for the next 20 years of Star Wars stories. It’s a chance to learn from the past, embrace a new vision, and remind us why we fell in love with this galaxy in the first place. I, for one, am filled with a new hope. 😊

What are your hopes for the New Jedi Order? A new kind of villain? A different philosophy for the Jedi? Drop your theories in the comments below! 👇 And share this if you found it useful!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the New Jedi Order movie based on the Legends books? No. While it shares a similar concept and title with the New Jedi Order book series from the old Expanded Universe (now “Legends”), Lucasfilm has confirmed this is an entirely new, original story that is not an adaptation of the books or their Yuuzhan Vong conflict.

2. Will Adam Driver return as Kylo Ren/Ben Solo? It is extremely unlikely. Ben Solo died at the end of The Rise of Skywalker, becoming one with the Force. While a brief appearance as a Force Ghost is theoretically possible, there has been no indication from Lucasfilm or Adam Driver that he is involved in the project. The story is set 15 years later and is focused on moving forward.

3. Who is the main villain in Star Wars: New Jedi Order? As of June 2025, the identity of the villain is completely unknown and one of the biggest secrets of the production. It is expected to be a new threat to the galaxy, as the film aims to move beyond the Sith and Imperial remnants of the Skywalker Saga.

4. Have any other actors from the sequel trilogy been confirmed to return? Currently, only Daisy Ridley (Rey Skywalker) is officially confirmed to be returning. John Boyega (Finn) and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) have expressed conditional interest in the past, but their involvement has not been announced.