The galaxy far, far away has a project going further and further away. Fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Rey’s story have just received disappointing news: the highly anticipated New Jedi Order film, centered on Daisy Ridley’s iconic character, has been put on hold once again. Reportedly, according to industry insider Daniel Richtman(DanielRPK), Lucasfilm is shifting its focus to films from directors James Mangold and Shawn Levy, leaving the Rey movie in a temporary limbo. Here’s everything we know about this setback, what’s next for Star Wars, and why fans shouldn’t lose hope just yet.
What’s Happening with the Rey Movie?
The New Jedi Order film, announced as a post-Rise of Skywalker story, was set to explore Rey’s journey to rebuild the Jedi Order. Daisy Ridley has expressed excitement for the project, but creative hurdles have plagued its development. Here’s the breakdown:
- Initial Delays: The film faced setbacks in 2024 when reports surfaced of creative differences between screenwriter Steven Knight and Lucasfilm, with rumors that Knight might exit the project.
- Current Status: Insider Daniel Richtman recently shared on Patreon that the Rey movie is “not canceled, just delayed” as Lucasfilm prioritizes other Star Wars films. This marks another pause in a project that has struggled to gain momentum.
- Fan Reaction:Fans have mixed sentiments, some fans are frustrated by the repeated delays, while others remain optimistic, trusting Lucasfilm to deliver a worthy story for Rey. Then you have those who just don’t care about Rey and only the other projects that were recently announced not too long ago.
Despite the hold, there’s no indication the project is scrapped. Lucasfilm’s cautious approach suggests they’re committed to getting Rey’s next chapter right, even if it means taking extra time.
Mangold and Levy Steal the Spotlight
While Rey’s film waits in the wings, two other Star Wars projects are charging forward, helmed by acclaimed directors James Mangold and Shawn Levy. Here’s what’s cooking in the Star Wars universe:
- James Mangold’s Jedi Prime: Mangold, known for Logan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is working on a Star Wars film tentatively titled Jedi Prime. Set thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga, it explores the origins of the Jedi Order. In April 2024, Andor writer Beau Willimon joined Mangold to craft the script, signaling serious progress.
- Shawn Levy’s Starfighter: Levy, fresh off Deadpool & Wolverine, is developing Star Wars: Starfighter with Ryan Gosling, set to release on May 28, 2027. This standalone film, set after The Rise of Skywalker, promises a fresh story outside the Skywalker Saga, focusing on a new generation of pilots. Levy confirmed at Star Wars Celebration 2025 that production will begin this fall.
These projects are taking center stage, likely due to their advanced development stages and Lucasfilm’s desire to diversify its cinematic slate. Mangold’s deep dive into Jedi lore and Levy’s action-packed vision are generating buzz, but they’ve left Rey’s story on the backburner for now.
Final Thoughts
The New Jedi Order delay is a bump in the hyperspace lane(depending on who you are), but the Force is still strong with Star Wars. With Mangold and Levy’s films charging ahead, The Mandalorian & Grogu on the horizon, and a slew of TV and comic projects, fans have plenty to look forward to. Rey’s story will return when the time is right, until then, the galaxy far, far away is seemingly thriving now and near future. Star Wars has had their rouch patches for sometime now kind of on parallel with Marvel, but hopefully both end up giving the fans what they want in a good way.
