Star Wars: New Jedi Order Movie Gets Promising Update From Daisy Ridley After Writer Change

Daisy Ridley has provided a positive update on the filming and script of the upcomingStar Wars: New Jedi Ordermovie. It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since Daisy Ridley’s return was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023. Since then, progress on directorSharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’sStar Warsmovie has proceeded at a relatively slow pace, with screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) recently signed up to produce a script.

ScreenRantspoke exclusively to Daisy Ridley herself, who’s currently doing the rounds promoting her new movie,Cleaner. Asked whether theNew Jedi Ordermovie would be her next project,she indicated it’s still some way off at this moment.

I don’t think it’ll be the next thing I go to production on because I’m supposed to be doing, oh no, it’s not because I’m doing something next month, very excitingly. So it’s not the next thing production wise, but the script is being written and I’m very excited.

Ridley later clarified these comments when speaking toComicBook:

“I have not read the latest script, but I know what’s happening, and I know the story, and I think what feels really good is that George is a phenomenal writer. I think we’re making sure that this story is the best way, this script is the best way to tell the story, and I think it will be worthwhile. for everyone watching it, and I am very excited, yeah.”

AlthoughRidley’s comments are positive, it’s still rather disappointing to learn we’re still at such an early stage- albeit not surprising.

Why Rey’s New Jedi Order Is Taking Time

Lucasfilm Need To Get This Right

To be fair,there’s a lot of pressure on Lucasfilm to get Rey’s New Jedi Order movie right. The studio pivoted away from the big screen after the box office failure ofSolo: A Star Wars Storyand the popular and critical reception toStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker; Ridley’s return has the potential to be something of a reset moment. Next year’sThe Mandalorian and Groguwill be the firstnewStar Warsmoviesince 2019.

There are reports that Ridley’sRey is now viewed asStar Wars' most valuable cinematic asset, a proven box office draw whose return needs to be handled with care. Curiously,it’s actually unclear whether Obaid-Chinoy’s movie will be the first one to feature Ridley; there have been consistent reports she could appear in two or three other projects that are in the works as well. There may be some kind of update at Star Wars Celebration year, but it’s clearly not imminent.

Our Take On Daisy Ridley’s Return

Lucasfilm Need To Manage Expectations

This latest update from Ridley is far from a surprise. At the same time, though,the fanbase itself will no doubt be frustrated; it’s been two years since Rey’s return was announced, and progress has been slow. Lucasfilm has unfortunately developed quite a bad reputation due to the sheer number ofcanceledStar Warsmovies and TV shows, and the studio would perhaps be wiser to only announce things when they’re about to start shooting.The Mandalorian and Grogu- which has now wrapped - is a good example.

Still, Ridley’s remarks do serve as a valuable reminder that she’s still signed up to come back. Rey is far too important, and theStar Wars: New Jedi Ordermovie is central to the franchise’s future, meaning this is a matter of “when” not “if.” It will be exciting to see how things develop.