Daisy Ridley’s return to the Star Wars universe as Rey Skywalker is one of the most anticipated developments for fans of the franchise, but the details remain scattered, evolving, and sometimes shrouded in rumor. Here’s a comprehensive, easy-to-follow breakdown of everything we know so far about Ridley’s comeback, the projects involved, the timeline, creative challenges, and how Rey’s story fits into the larger galaxy far, far away.
## The Announced Rey Movie: Star Wars: New Jedi Order
In 2023, Lucasfilm officially announced that Daisy Ridley would reprise her role as Rey Skywalker in a new Star Wars film, tentatively titled Star Wars: New Jedi Order[1]. This movie is set to explore Rey’s life well after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), with producer Kathleen Kennedy confirming it will take place 15 years after that film[1]. This represents the largest time jump in the core Star Wars movie series since the prequel trilogy, signaling a fresh start for Rey and the galaxy[1].
The film is expected to focus on Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order, a task hinted at in the final moments of The Rise of Skywalker. While specific plot details are scarce, the title alone suggests a story centered on the challenges and responsibilities of reestablishing the Jedi in a galaxy still recovering from the chaos of the First Order and the Sith[1].
## Production Status and Delays
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, progress on Star Wars: New Jedi Order has been slow. As of late 2025, the project is reportedly on hold while Lucasfilm waits for approval of a new script draft[4]. The film has already undergone several creative revisions, with writer George Nolfi and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy attached to the latest iteration[4]. Daisy Ridley herself has expressed optimism about the delay, stating in a February 2025 interview that taking extra time will help ensure the story meets fan expectations[4].
Industry insiders suggest that Lucasfilm is currently prioritizing other Star Wars projects, such as The Mandalorian & Grogu (set for release in May 2026) and Starfighter (May 2027), which may explain the slower movement on the Rey-led film[4]. However, there is no indication that the project has been canceled—only that it is temporarily paused[4].
## Potential Release Window
Given the current production timeline, Star Wars: New Jedi Order is not expected to begin filming until 2026 at the earliest[1]. This makes a 2027 release date plausible, though not guaranteed, depending on how quickly the script is finalized and production can begin[1]. Fans should prepare for a longer wait, as the studio appears committed to getting the story right rather than rushing it to theaters[4].
## Rey’s Role in Other Star Wars Projects
While the big-screen return is on hold, Rey’s presence in the Star Wars universe continues through other media. She recently appeared in the Disney+ animated miniseries LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past[3][6]. More significantly, a new canonical novel titled Star Wars: Legacy, written by Madeleine Roux and announced at New York Comic-Con, will feature Rey and Leia Organa working together to restore Luke Skywalker’s broken lightsaber in the period between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker[3][6]. This book, set for release in July 2026, offers fans a new adventure with Rey while they wait for her cinematic return[6].
## Rumors of Rey’s Appearance in Starfighter
There are persistent rumors that Rey might make a cameo appearance in Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, set five years after The Rise of Skywalker[2][6]. The official synopsis describes Starfighter as an adventure featuring all-new characters, but speculation suggests that Rey could cross paths with the film’s protagonists, potentially setting up her larger role in New Jedi Order[2][6]. Neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has confirmed Rey’s involvement in Starfighter, so this remains unverified for now[2].
## The Creative Challenges of Continuing Rey’s Story
Bringing Rey back to the big screen is not without its challenges. The sequel trilogy, while commercially successful, received mixed reactions from fans and critics, particularly regarding its storytelling and character arcs[1][5]. Lucasfilm has largely avoided revisiting the sequel era in recent years, focusing instead on stories set during the Original Trilogy, the prequels, or even earlier periods like the High Republic[5].
Star Wars: New Jedi Order represents the franchise’s first major step back into the post-sequel timeline since 2019[1][5]. The creative team must carefully balance honoring Rey’s established character with introducing new elements that appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. The extended development period suggests Lucasfilm is taking these challenges seriously, aiming to deliver a story that feels both fresh and faithful to the spirit of Star Wars[4].
## Could Other Sequel Characters Return?
While Rey is confirmed to return, the status of other sequel trilogy characters remains uncertain. Adam Driver, who played Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, has expressed interest in returning, and there is narrative potential for Ben Solo’s resurrection given the mystical nature of the Force in Star Wars[5]. However, there is no official word on Driver’s involvement, and the focus appears to be squarely on Rey’s journey as a Jedi Master[5].
Other characters from the sequel trilogy, such as Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), have not been mentioned in connection with New Jedi Order, but the expanded universe—including books, comics, and animated series—continues to explore their stories in other mediums.
## Rey’s Place in the Expanding Star Wars Timeline
The Star Wars timeline is rapidly expanding, with multiple films and TV series exploring different eras. The Mandalorian & Grogu will kick off the next wave of theatrical releases in May 2026, followed by Starfighter in May 2027[3][6]. These projects are set in the post-Original Trilogy and post-sequel eras, respectively, but Rey’s story in New Jedi Order will take place even further into the future[1][6].
This structure allows Lucasfilm to explore new corners of the galaxy while keeping the door open for familiar faces like Rey to guide the narrative forward. It also provides an opportunity to address lingering questions from the sequel trilogy and set up new conflicts and adventures for the next generation of Star Wars heroes.
## What Fans Can Expect Next
For now, fans eager to see Daisy Ridley as Rey again will have to be patient. The theatrical return is still in development, with no firm release date in sight[1][4]. In the meantime, the Star Wars: Legacy novel and potential animated appearances will keep Rey’s story alive in canon[3][6]. Rumors of a cameo in Starfighter add another layer of speculation, but until Lucasfilm makes an official announcement, these should be taken with caution[2][6].
The extended wait
