Full Breakdown
Daisy Ridley's New Jedi Order Film Amid Leadership Changes at Lucasfilm
1/28/2026, 8:58:36 PM
Leadership Transition at Lucasfilm
Kathleen Kennedy's recent departure as head of Lucasfilm has prompted significant changes within the company, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan stepping in as co-presidents. This transition raises questions about the future direction of the Star Wars franchise, particularly regarding ongoing projects like Daisy Ridley's upcoming film, "New Jedi Order." Despite the leadership shakeup, Ridley has expressed confidence that her film will not be adversely affected.
Daisy Ridley's Assurance on New Jedi Order
In a December 2025 interview with USA Today, Ridley reassured fans that the changes in leadership would not impact her role in the New Jedi Order film. She stated, “It won’t affect me going forward if it were to be true,” emphasizing her excitement about the project and the anticipation surrounding it. Ridley has consistently maintained that the film, which was announced in 2023, will be worth the wait and is moving in a positive direction.
Current Status of New Jedi Order
The New Jedi Order film is set to follow Rey as she attempts to rebuild the Jedi Order after the events of "The Rise of Skywalker." Although the film's timeline is positioned 15 years after the last sequel, it remains intertwined with the previous trilogy's narrative. The project is directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, with George Nolfi penning the script. However, updates on the film's progress have been sparse, leading to speculation about its release timeline, with some suggesting it may not be until 2028.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite Ridley's optimism, there are concerns regarding the film's development. The lack of recent updates and the absence of Kennedy's mention of the project during her final public appearances have left fans anxious about its status. Additionally, Ridley has noted the challenges of returning to her role after several years, stating, “Do I remember how to be Rey? It’s been a while.” This sentiment reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding the film's production timeline.
Broader Implications for the Star Wars Franchise
The leadership change at Lucasfilm is seen as an opportunity to revitalize the franchise, with Rian Johnson, director of "The Last Jedi," expressing hope for fresh voices and new stories under the new leadership. As Lucasfilm aims to move beyond the controversial reception of "The Rise of Skywalker," upcoming projects, including Ridley's film, are expected to reshape the narrative landscape of the Star Wars universe.
What's Next for Star Wars
As Lucasfilm navigates this transition, fans are left awaiting further developments on Ridley's New Jedi Order and other projects in the pipeline, including Taika Waititi's long-anticipated film. With the franchise's future hanging in the balance, the coming years will be crucial for determining the direction of Star Wars and its legacy within popular culture.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It won’t affect me going forward if it were to be true,” — Daisy Ridley, Actress
- “I think what's lovely is people are excited because they want to see (the films), which is great.” — Daisy Ridley, Actress
- “So one of the things is: Do I remember how to be Rey? It’s been a while, and time has passed in [the ‘Star Wars’] world.” — Daisy Ridley, Actress
The future of the Star Wars franchise, particularly with Ridley's return, remains a topic of great interest and speculation among fans and industry observers alike.
