Oscar Isaac Says He’d Return to Star Wars—But Only If Disney “Figures Out” Its Free-Speech Issues

When Oscar Isaac last appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, he looked like a man ready to put the galaxy behind him. And now, years later, it seems he really meant it. The actor has made it clear he’s not coming back to a galaxy far, far away — at least not until Disney gets its house in order when it comes to, as he puts it, “free speech.”

The Galaxy According to Oscar Isaac

In a recent chat on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Isaac opened up about his post-Star Wars outlook and didn’t shy away from some pointed remarks about Disney. When asked whether he’d ever return as the lovable Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, Isaac didn’t dance around it:

“I think I’d have to see Disney figure out its free speech problem before I’d consider going back.”

That’s about as subtle as a thermal detonator.

The comment follows a growing trend of Hollywood creatives — writers, directors, and actors — expressing frustration with how major studios handle expression, censorship, and creative control. For Disney, already under fire from multiple sides over political and cultural disputes, it’s another reminder that not everyone is thrilled with the company’s current direction.

A Hero Grounded by Corporate Politics

Isaac’s Poe Dameron was once the franchise’s golden boy — a charismatic pilot channeling the same rogue charm that made Han Solo iconic. But the actor’s journey with Lucasfilm wasn’t without turbulence. By the time The Rise of Skywalker wrapped, Isaac seemed disillusioned with the creative process, telling Variety back in 2020 that he was “done with Star Wars for now.”

Now, it sounds like that “for now” has turned into “not until further notice.”

Disney’s reputation for controlling its narratives — both on-screen and off — has become a talking point in Hollywood. From script oversight to public image management, the company is famous for keeping a tight grip on its properties and the people attached to them. For someone like Isaac, who’s been exploring more creative and risky roles since Star Wars, that kind of corporate leash may feel like a step backward.

The Broader Free Speech Debate

Isaac’s comment isn’t just about Star Wars — it’s about Hollywood’s larger cultural tension. Disney has faced criticism from both political ends: conservatives accusing it of “woke” overreach, and progressives pointing out that the studio often prioritizes profits over principles. Somewhere in that chaos sits the free speech issue Isaac mentioned.

While the actor didn’t elaborate, his remark likely points to Disney’s tendency to sanitize or suppress certain viewpoints to avoid controversy. And in an era where authenticity sells almost as well as nostalgia, that’s a dangerous game.

The irony, of course, is that Star Wars itself was built on rebellion — about standing up to empires that control everything. The line “speak freely” has never felt so relevant.

Could Poe Ever Fly Again?

Let’s be honest: Star Wars needs charismatic rebels like Poe Dameron. And fans would love to see Isaac return. But unless Disney shows signs of loosening its creative muzzle, the actor seems content to keep his X-wing in the hangar.

That’s not necessarily bad news for him — Isaac’s been busy with acclaimed roles in Moon Knight, Scenes from a Marriage, and upcoming indie projects that give him far more creative breathing room than hyperspace ever did.

As for Disney? It might want to take Isaac’s words to heart. A franchise can survive without one pilot, but if too many of its stars decide to stay grounded, the whole fleet risks losing altitude.

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