Last year, Rey Skywalker actressDaisy Ridleydelighted fans with the announcement that she was officially returning to theStar Warsuniverse, despite speaking previously about the enormous stress and pressure she experienced during her stint as the main character in one of the most popular franchises of all time. Now, Ridley reveals that her decision was heavily influenced by the exciting concepts and script for her character Rey’s upcoming movie, supposedly titledStar Wars: New Jedi Order.
Ridley’s upcoming film is hardly the only new installment in theStar Warsuniverse, but it is certainly one of the most hotly anticipated. Although details aboutStar Wars: New Jedi Orderare limited, given that the film won’t be released until 2026 at least, Ridley spoke in a recent interview about her enthusiasm to revisit Rey’s story 15 years after the events ofThe Rise of Skywalker. Speaking withPremiere, Ridley revealed that she had no contract with Disney to return to theStar Warsuniverse, but chose to do so after listening to a concept pitch for the new film. “My thinking on the subject is very simple,” Ridley stated plainly. “If I didn’t think the story was worth telling, I wouldn’t have come back.”
This is a particularly exciting update for fans who believe that Ridley’s first appearances in theStar Warssequel trilogywere somewhat tainted by less-than-ideal creative decisions— similarly to how many fans feel about the prequels. But Ridley’s obvious passion for the script and overall concept ofStar Wars: New Jedi Ordersuggests that another universally belovedStar Warsfilm may be just around the corner. “If Hayden and the others deserved another chance,” one fan said, referring to Anakin Skywalker actor Hayden Christensen, “then so does she.”
What Ridley’s Return Means for Rey — And the Future ofStar Wars
Ridley has always been candid about the difficulties she faced playing Rey as an upcoming and undiscovered actress, but in recent interviews, she’s discussed an increase in confidence and maturity thatmakes her eager to revisit those challenges. Although the plot ofStar Wars: New Jedi Orderis virtually unknown, it may feature a very different Rey than the one fans are used to, given Ridley’s transformation and growth since the conclusion of theStar Warssequel series.World of Reeleven speculated that the upcoming movie might explore Rey’s transition into an instructor of young Jedi, showcasing her newfound maturity.
At the moment, much ofStar Wars’s future is shrouded in rumors. Although Disney has announced numerous upcoming films and television series in the beloved sci-fi universe, a lack of updates suggests that not all of those projects will reach fruition. Given the existence of a script, however, it seems likely that Ridley will make anotherStar Warsappearance inNew Jedi Order, with the potential for yet another sequel series if fans enjoy the film’s concept as well as Ridley.
