Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars project, tentatively titled The New Jedi Order, has reportedly been put on hold, sparking uncertainty about its future. Initially expected to focus on Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) and her efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order, the project has faced delays due to script challenges and creative concerns. Reports suggest multiple drafts have been written, with significant involvement from Kathleen Kennedy, head of Lucasfilm, but the script has yet to reach completion.
What is The New Jedi Order About?
The proposed film was to center around Rey’s post-sequel journey, where she would take on the role of a mentor, training new Jedi at an academy and working to establish a new Jedi Order. However, plot details have remained largely speculative, with little concrete information released to the public.
This film was part of an effort to move the Star Wars storyline beyond the Skywalker saga, focusing on new characters and fresh stories. It was also seen as a potential way to address some of the backlash that the sequel trilogy, especially The Rise of Skywalker, received from certain parts of the fan base.
Development Issues and Delays
Reports indicate that the delay stems from ongoing script issues, with Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) taking over writing duties but struggling to deliver a final draft. Several other writers, including Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, were initially attached to the project but eventually departed due to creative differences.
While delays are not uncommon in Hollywood, the uncertainty surrounding this project has raised questions about whether it will proceed at all. The involvement of Kathleen Kennedy in providing notes and guidance on the script suggests that Lucasfilm is actively seeking to improve the story, but progress has been slow.
Disney’s Concerns and Rey’s Future
Another potential factor in the film’s delay is Disney’s hesitance about continuing Rey’s story. While Daisy Ridley’s Rey was a central figure in the sequel trilogy, her character has been polarizing among fans. Some embraced her as the new face of the Jedi, while others criticized aspects of her character development.
Disney may be reconsidering whether audiences want another movie centered on Rey, given the mixed reception to her previous appearances. The company is reportedly second-guessing whether moving forward with this project is the best direction for the franchise.
A Broader Trend in Star Wars Productions
The uncertainty surrounding The New Jedi Order is part of a broader trend at Lucasfilm, where several projects have been delayed or indefinitely postponed. Films like Rian Johnson’s planned trilogy and Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron have faced similar challenges, suggesting that Lucasfilm may be struggling to find a consistent creative direction post-Skywalker.
Meanwhile, the Disney+ series like The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka have been widely praised and have become a significant part of the Star Wars universe’s future. With the success of these series, Lucasfilm seems to be focusing more on serialized storytelling, which allows for more flexibility and character development without the high stakes of a major film release.
What Comes Next for Star Wars?
While The New Jedi Order is on hold, Lucasfilm still has several other Star Wars projects in development. Directors like James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and Jon Favreau are all working on films and series within the Star Wars universe, with Favreau’s Mandalorian and Grogu project likely to be the next major film release.
At the same time, Lucasfilm continues to expand the Star Wars universe on Disney+ with new series and spinoffs, which have gained positive reception. It’s possible that Lucasfilm will continue to lean into this format, giving audiences more time to explore the galaxy without the pressure of a blockbuster release.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Fans?
For now, fans are left to speculate on the future of The New Jedi Order. While there is no official word on whether the project will be scrapped or eventually move forward, the delay indicates that Lucasfilm is taking its time to ensure the story is right. Whether or not Rey’s character returns to the big screen, it’s clear that Lucasfilm and Disney are carefully navigating the future of Star Wars, with an eye on both fan expectations and the overall direction of the franchise.
Until more information emerges, fans can look forward to the wealth of content currently in development, with plenty more Star Wars stories on the horizon.
