Steven Knight Exits ‘Star Wars’ Movie Starring Daisy Ridley: What’s Next for Rey’s Story?

Well, it looks like the Force is shifting again! If you’ve been keeping up with the “Star Wars” universe, you’ll know the journey isn’t always smooth. This time, it’s the turn of screenwriter Steven Knight, who has just waved goodbye to the highly anticipated “Star Wars” movie that follows Daisy Ridley’s Rey, the resilient Jedi heroine. So, what does this mean for the future of the project, and why are Star Wars fans experiencing déjà vu? Let’s dive in and explore what’s happening in that galaxy far, far away.

A Brief History of the Project

Back in March 2023, Variety dropped the exclusive news: Steven Knight, known for his work on “Peaky Blinders” and the upcoming Maria Callas biopic “Maria,” had joined the project as a screenwriter. Knight was stepping in to replace Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, who had previously been attached to write the script. This change of writers raised some eyebrows, but hey, it’s “Star Wars”—if there’s one thing fans are used to, it’s plot twists!

So, Why the Exit?

Fast forward to now, and Knight has decided to part ways with the project. The reason behind his exit? Well, your guess is as good as any Wookiee’s! As Variety reported, Lucasfilm is already in discussions with new potential writers to keep the project on track. But with Knight stepping away, it looks like the Force might need a bit more time to awaken this time around.

What’s Next for Rey’s Story?

For those wondering where this new chapter in the “Star Wars” saga was headed, it’s supposed to follow Daisy Ridley’s Rey after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The movie is expected to chronicle her efforts to start a brand-new Jedi Academy, a task as daunting as explaining the Star Wars timeline to a casual fan.

However, with the recent script shuffle, production isn’t likely to kick off until 2025 at the earliest. That means it’s time to put away the popcorn and lightsabers for a little while longer, folks.

Who’s Still in the Director’s Chair?

Good news, though—Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still firmly attached to direct. Obaid-Chinoy is a two-time Oscar winner for her documentary shorts, and she’s made waves on Disney+ with episodes of “Ms. Marvel.” She’s ready to make her mark on the “Star Wars” universe, focusing on what she calls “Rey’s journey as a female Jedi.”

In a recent chat with Variety while promoting her documentary on designer Diane von Furstenberg, Obaid-Chinoy shared her excitement about bringing her unique perspective to this story. For her, this is all about Rey’s growth and evolution—a theme that resonates with fans who’ve watched Rey rise from a desert scavenger to a powerful Force user.

The “Star Wars” Release Calendar: When Can We Expect More?

Now, let’s talk release dates—because when it comes to “Star Wars,” timing is everything. The next film on Disney’s lineup is “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” directed by Jon Favreau, slated for a May 2026 release. Following that, there are two more untitled “Star Wars” films penciled in for December 2026 and December 2027.

In case you missed it, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced at the 2023 Star Wars Celebration that, alongside Obaid-Chinoy’s film, they’re developing projects with James Mangold (known for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”) and Dave Filoni, the mastermind behind “Ahsoka” and “The Mandalorian.” It’s like a buffet of “Star Wars” goodness… once they finally serve it up!

Why the Delays Are Both Good and Bad News for Fans

Delays in Hollywood are as common as Stormtroopers missing their shots, and this one is no different. On the one hand, delays often lead to better storytelling. After all, wouldn’t you rather wait a little longer for a well-crafted Jedi tale than rush through a script that feels like it was written at lightspeed?

On the other hand, fans have been eagerly awaiting a continuation of Rey’s story since 2019. And let’s face it, after the divisive reception of The Rise of Skywalker, everyone is hoping for a more balanced Force in the narrative department. So, while it’s frustrating to see yet another delay, it might just mean that Lucasfilm is committed to getting this one right.

Steven Knight’s Busy Slate: It’s Not All Sith and Sabers

If you’re wondering why Steven Knight might have chosen to exit the galaxy, look no further than his busy schedule. Knight has plenty on his plate, from the much-anticipated “Peaky Blinders” feature film with Cillian Murphy to “Maria,” the biopic starring Angelina Jolie. He’s also working on multiple series for platforms like FX, Disney+, and the BBC. Maybe he’s just decided that the Dark Side isn’t his style after all.

A New Hope… for a Writer?

As Lucasfilm hunts for the next brave soul to pick up where Knight left off, the focus remains on telling a compelling story about Rey’s new chapter. Whether the new writer can deliver a script that lives up to the massive expectations of “Star Wars” fans remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—no matter who pens the next chapter, the galaxy is still full of surprises.

The Bottom Line: Change Is the Only Constant in the Star Wars Universe

So, there you have it—a “Star Wars” project that’s once again in flux. Steven Knight is out, a new writer is on the way, and production is delayed. But if there’s one lesson we’ve learned from this beloved franchise, it’s that hope endures. Maybe this project will end up as a great new addition to the saga, or maybe it’ll take longer than expected to find its way. Either way, we’ll be here, lightsabers at the ready, waiting for the next chapter to unfold.

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