At the Star Wars Celebration in April 2023, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was introduced as the new screenwriter.
George Nolfi, the screenwriter behind blockbuster hits like The Bourne Ultimatum and Ocean’s Twelve, is set to pen the script for Star Wars: New Jedi Order, which will mark the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey.
The highly anticipated film has undergone significant creative shifts since its announcement. Initially, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were attached to write, but the duo exited the project in early 2023 over creative differences with Lucasfilm.
At the Star Wars Celebration in April 2023, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was introduced as the new screenwriter. However, he too stepped away from the project in October 2024. This was followed by Disney removing a Star Wars film from its 2026 release schedule and replacing it with Ice Age 6, sparking rumors about production challenges.
Despite these setbacks, Ridley, 32, has expressed confidence in the film’s progress. Speaking to City AM, she shared her enthusiasm: “Of course I’m really excited to film, and I’m really excited to share developments with the world. It’s all good, it really is!” Ridley’s portrayal of Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker) won her critical acclaim. Now, she’s taking a more involved role in the creative process for New Jedi Order. She revealed ongoing discussions with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy about possibly stepping behind the camera.
“All of those conversations are positive and happening,” Ridley said. “Certainly in the producorial way I don’t know that I will be that involved, but creatively, Kathy shared the idea for the story, which is great. I’ve been kept in the loop on all developments. So, I feel more consciously involved [than before].” Ridley also emphasized the importance of taking the time to “do it right.”
While keeping story details under wraps, the Magpie actress teased that her husband, actor Tom Bateman, is one of the few who knows the plot. “He knows the story,” she told People. “[He] swore to secrecy. If I’m describing something to you, the actual reality of what it is might be quite different. But he does know the story.”
Ridley admitted she was surprised when Kennedy approached her for another Star Wars project. “Coming back to it, I mean, it felt, honestly, I was like, ‘Oh my God, really?’ I was really surprised when Kathleen asked, but how could I not?” she said. “I love Rey as a character, and I love the films. I love the potential of the next one.”
New Jedi Order will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and continues the legacy of the Star Wars universe, exploring the next chapter of Rey’s journey. Fans eagerly await updates on this ambitious installment, now in the hands of Nolfi, who brings his action-packed storytelling expertise to the galaxy far, far away.
