James Mangold’s “Dawn of the Jedi” movie is an upcoming Star Wars film that explores the very origins of the Jedi Order and the Force itself, set thousands of years before the events of the main Star Wars saga. This film aims to tell the story of the first Jedi who discovered and learned to harness the Force, presenting a biblical epic-style narrative about the dawning of this mystical power in the galaxy[3].
The concept behind Mangold’s film is to delve deep into the ancient past of the Star Wars universe, a time largely unexplored in live-action media. It will focus on how the Force was first understood and used by the earliest Jedi, essentially showing the birth of the Jedi Order. This is a significant departure from the usual Star Wars stories that center around the Skywalker family and the more recent galactic conflicts. Instead, it will provide a foundational mythos for the Jedi, much like a creation story, which Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, has described as a complement to the ongoing narrative that moves forward with characters like Rey[1][3].
Mangold has expressed his vision for the film as a “biblical epic,” inspired by classic films like “The Ten Commandments,” which suggests a grand, mythic tone and scale. The movie will explore questions such as where the Force came from, when it was discovered, and how the first beings learned to wield it. This approach promises a fresh genre within the Star Wars franchise, blending epic storytelling with the mystical elements that define the Jedi[3].
The film is expected to explore not only the Jedi but potentially the origins of the Sith as well. In Star Wars lore, the Sith Order emerged much later than the Jedi, splintering off during a dark period known as the 100-Year Darkness. Mangold’s movie might depict early dark side practitioners or the events that led to the Sith’s formation, adding depth to the ancient conflict between light and dark sides of the Force. This could include appearances or references to ancient characters and artifacts, such as the droid Professor Huyang, who was built by the First Jedi and is one of the oldest known characters in Star Wars canon[4].
The story will likely address the philosophical and spiritual foundations of the Jedi, including their role as agents of balance in the Force. This theme has been touched on in other Star Wars media, such as “The Last Jedi” and the animated series “Star Wars: Visions,” which explore different interpretations of balance between light and dark. Mangold’s film may expand on these ideas by showing how the Jedi first understood their purpose and the nature of the Force, setting the stage for the centuries of conflict and ideology that followed[2].
Kathleen Kennedy has emphasized that this film will help audiences understand the roots of the Jedi Order, which is especially relevant as the Star Wars franchise moves into new chapters with characters like Rey rebuilding the Jedi after the fall of the First Order. The movie will provide historical context for the Jedi’s origins, enriching the broader Star Wars narrative and offering opportunities to introduce new characters and stories[1][3].
Although the release date for “Dawn of the Jedi” has not been announced, the project is confirmed to be in development. It was delayed somewhat due to Mangold’s commitments to other films and the awards season, but it remains a key part of Lucasfilm’s future plans for expanding the Star Wars universe[3].
In summary, James Mangold’s “Dawn of the Jedi” movie is set to be a groundbreaking addition to Star Wars, exploring the ancient beginnings of the Jedi and the Force with a grand, epic storytelling style. It promises to reveal the mysteries of how the Force was first discovered and used, the birth of the Jedi Order, and possibly the early stirrings of the Sith, all while enriching the mythology that underpins the entire Star Wars saga[1][3][4].
