As negative reports have been coming in about the upcoming New Jedi Order film, many have wondered about the project's future. However, Daisy Ridley, who is set to return and star as Rey Skywalker, remains optimistic about the film.
It was reported last week that screenwriter Steven Knight has departed the film. Citing creative differences with Lucasfilm, the studio is searching for a new scribe. These kinds of creative changes are normal in filmmaking, especially early in the process. Still, the move left Star Wars fans nervous. Despite the writing change, the star of the upcoming movie, Ridley, has voiced her excitement.
Star Wars fans rejoiced when it was announced at the Star Wars Celebration in 2023 that the popular actress and character was set to return. Rey has had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from Star Wars faithful, including many younger girls who love to emulate the character.
Ridley has recently spoken with The Hollywood Reporter about her excitement to return but has a small sense of fear. “I feel like the new one/new ones will be so interesting. Time has passed and a lot has changed for me, personally, so it’ll be interesting to come back to someone who I know so well, but in such a different moment,” Ridley says. “For me to inhabit Rey again after all the time that we haven’t seen her, it’s actually scary, but it’s also exciting.”
Ridley's support should calm down Star Wars fans, as they are anxious to see the franchise to return to big screen. She also told The Playlist, that she and the filmmakers of the project want to make sure they do the right thing with the project.
"I really do mean I’m excited about what’s coming. And I think we really have the luxury of making sure that this is the right," said Ridley.
As fans await more news about Ridley's return as Rey as well as Star Wars on the big screen, there are some things for fans of hers to look forward to. Ridley's independent thriller with husband Tom Bateman, Magpie, is set to come into theaters this week.
The next Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grugu, will be released in theaters in 2026. The New Jedi Order film doesn't have a release date despite being rumored for 2026 or 2027.