Daisy Ridley has provided a disappointing update on the filming and script of the upcoming Star Wars: New Jedi Order

movie. It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since Daisy Ridley’s return was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023. Since then, progress on director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars movie has proceeded at a relatively slow pace, with screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) recently signed up to produce a script.

ScreenRant spoke exclusively to Daisy Ridley herself, who’s currently doing the rounds promoting her new movie, Cleaner. Asked whether the New Jedi Order movie would be her next project, she indicated it’s still some way off at this moment.

I don’t think it’ll be the next thing I go to production on because I’m supposed to be doing, oh no, it’s not because I’m doing something next month, very excitingly. So it’s not the next thing production wise, but the script is being written and I’m very excited.

Ridley later clarified these comments when speaking to ComicBook:

“I have not read the latest script, but I know what’s happening, and I know the story, and I think what feels really good is that George is a phenomenal writer. I think we’re making sure that this story is the best way, this script is the best way to tell the story, and I think it will be worthwhile. for everyone watching it, and I am very excited, yeah.”

Although Ridley’s comments are positive, it’s still rather disappointing to learn we’re still at such an early stage – albeit not surprising.

Why Rey’s New Jedi Order Is Taking Time

Lucasfilm Need To Get This Right

To be fair, there’s a lot of pressure on Lucasfilm to get Rey’s New Jedi Order movie right. The studio pivoted away from the big screen after the box office failure of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the popular and critical reception to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker; Ridley’s return has the potential to be something of a reset moment. Next year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu will be the first new Star Wars movie since 2019.

There are reports that Ridley’s Rey is now viewed as Star Wars‘ most valuable cinematic ᴀsset, a proven box office draw whose return needs to be handled with care. Curiously, it’s actually unclear whether Obaid-Chinoy’s movie will be the first one to feature Ridley; there have been consistent reports she could appear in two or three other projects that are in the works as well. There may be some kind of update at Star Wars Celebration year, but it’s clearly not imminent.

Our Take On Daisy Ridley’s Return

Lucasfilm Need To Manage Expectations

This latest update from Ridley is far from a surprise. At the same time, though, the fanbase itself will no doubt be frustrated; it’s been two years since Rey’s return was announced, and progress has been slow. Lucasfilm has unfortunately developed quite a bad reputation due to the sheer number of canceled Star Wars movies and TV shows, and the studio would perhaps be wiser to only announce things when they’re about to start shooting. The Mandalorian and Grogu – which has now wrapped – is a good example.

Still, Ridley’s remarks do serve as a valuable reminder that she’s still signed up to come back. Rey is far too important, and the Star Wars: New Jedi Order movie is central to the franchise’s future, meaning this is a matter of “when” not “if.” It will be exciting to see how things develop.