MOVIE NEWS – The Daisy Ridley-led Star Wars film is reportedly facing another major hurdle during development as Lucasfilm begins to focus on other upcoming feature-length projects. The next chapter in Rey Skywalker’s storyline is currently set to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel), but it appears that Star Wars fans will have to wait even longer to hear good news about the film.

According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, Lucasfilm has put the much-discussed Rey Star Wars film on indefinite hold. Rumored to be titled New Jedi Order, the project has already gone through a revolving door of writers, with George Nolfi (Ocean’s 12, The Bourne Ultimatum) as the latest name attached. However, other Star Wars films have now taken priority—like Shawn Levy’s Starfighter and James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi. Richtman claims the Rey film isn’t canceled, just “on the backburner for the foreseeable future.” As always, take these rumors with a grain of salt, but given Lucasfilm’s track record, it’s hardly a shock.

“The Rey movie is on hold once again, as both the Shawn Levy and James Mangold Star Wars films are moving forward first. The project is not canceled—just temporarily on hold.”

It’s been a long, winding journey for New Jedi Order, especially in the writers’ room. Before Nolfi was hired, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were first tapped to bring the story to life, but after submitting their draft, Lucasfilm decided to move on due to creative differences. Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, A Thousand Blows) then stepped in, and now Nolfi is taking a crack at the script. Still, it looks like the studio is shelving the project until other Star Wars movies go into production.

Daisy Ridley on the Star Wars Rey Movie Delays

Daisy Ridley spoke about Star Wars: New Jedi Order back in February, directly addressing the film’s persistent delays. Although the movie has been pulled from Lucasfilm’s release schedule, Ridley remains optimistic—saying the delays will ultimately help the team refine the script and deliver the “wonderful” story fans want. “People have talked about it a lot that the release date often affects films and how quickly things go into production. So the freedom to make sure that this script is the best way to tell this story is wonderful, and I don’t think any fans would want it to be rushed. The wait will be worth it. I know what George [Nolfi] is working on, and he is a phenomenal writer. So I’m really looking forward to reading it, and yes, it’s all worthwhile.”

While Star Wars: New Jedi Order is on pause, Ridley is reportedly expected to appear in another future project: Simon Kinberg is developing a new trilogy, rumored to feature returning characters from the sequel saga.

Source: Sffgazette Daniel Richtman MovieWeb