Last year, Rey Skywalker actress Daisy Ridley delighted fans with the announcement that she was officially returning to the Star Wars universe, despite speaking previously about the enormous stress and pressure she experienced during her stint as the main character in one of the most popular franchises of all time. Now, Ridley reveals that her decision was heavily influenced by the exciting concepts and script for her character Rey’s upcoming movie, supposedly titled Star Wars: New Jedi Order.
Ridley’s upcoming film is hardly the only new installment in the Star Wars universe, but it is certainly one of the most hotly anticipated. Although details about Star Wars: New Jedi Order are limited, given that the film won’t be released until 2026 at least, Ridley spoke in a recent interview about her enthusiasm to revisit Rey’s story 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Speaking with Premiere, Ridley revealed that she had no contract with Disney to return to the Star Wars universe, but chose to do so after listening to a concept pitch for the new film. “My thinking on the subject is very simple,” Ridley stated plainly. “If I didn’t think the story was worth telling, I wouldn’t have come back.”
This is a particularly exciting update for fans who believe that Ridley’s first appearances in the Star Wars sequel trilogy were somewhat tainted by less-than-ideal creative decisions — similarly to how many fans feel about the prequels. But Ridley’s obvious passion for the script and overall concept of Star Wars: New Jedi Order suggests that another universally beloved Star Wars film may be just around the corner. “If Hayden and the others deserved another chance,” one fan said, referring to Anakin Skywalker actor Hayden Christensen, “then so does she.”
What Ridley’s Return Means for Rey — And the Future of Star Wars
Ridley has always been candid about the difficulties she faced playing Rey as an upcoming and undiscovered actress, but in recent interviews, she’s discussed an increase in confidence and maturity that makes her eager to revisit those challenges. Although the plot of Star Wars: New Jedi Order is virtually unknown, it may feature a very different Rey than the one fans are used to, given Ridley’s transformation and growth since the conclusion of the Star Wars sequel series. World of Reel even speculated that the upcoming movie might explore Rey’s transition into an instructor of young Jedi, showcasing her newfound maturity.
At the moment, much of Star Wars‘s future is shrouded in rumors. Although Disney has announced numerous upcoming films and television series in the beloved sci-fi universe, a lack of updates suggests that not all of those projects will reach fruition. Given the existence of a script, however, it seems likely that Ridley will make another Star Wars appearance in New Jedi Order, with the potential for yet another sequel series if fans enjoy the film’s concept as well as Ridley.