With Star Wars finally returning to the big screen, Lucasfilm plans to explore what happened after 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
"The High Republic" initiative proved to be a let-down; the books and comics didn't strike a chord with fans, and The Acolyte was cancelled after one season on Disney+. There's only so much storytelling potential in exploring the gaps between each previous movie, and a post-Episode IX setting does somewhat create a blank slate for filmmakers.
Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is developing a movie revolving around Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker. Set 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, it's being written by George Nolfi, who replaced Steven Knight, who in turn took over from the writing duo Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson.
Following the news that Disney decided not to move forward with The Hunt for Ben Solo starring Adam Driver, scooper @MyTimeToShineH is reporting that the Rey movie is now on hold until Lucasfilm approves Nolfi's script.
It's been slow going for the project that was first announced at Star Wars Celebration in 2023. Lucasfilm is clearly struggling to crack the story, but this era will be explored in 2027's Star Wars: Starfighter (which is expected to feature a cameo appearance from Rey).
Still, as one movie is put on hold, another may be back in active development. According to Daniel Richtman, the Lando feature starring Donald Glover is once again being worked on by Lucasfilm. The plan had been for that to be a Disney+ series, though it's since evolved into a movie.
"I just want it to be fun," the actor said of his plans for Lando Calrissian last year. "As a 'Star Wars' fan myself, I think it’s important that there needs to be fun being had. It’s very hard to have fun right now. It’s tough because there are very serious things happening and those are the only things that connect us, weirdly."
"So I get why things are serious, but part of the human experience, I believe, is we have a responsibility to have enjoyment," Glover added. "And I just feel like we’re lacking in that department."
He then pointed out that, as much as he loves the Star Wars franchise, it "can be super serious. Sometimes it’s way too serious. Everything that has to do with the Skywalkers is like so serious. [With] Lando, I think the best part about him is he’s a scoundrel. And I feel like people can relate to that, and he’s probably like 'Man, this war is whack. I need money,' which I feel everyone can relate to."
"I want to bring fun to 'Star Wars.' I just want it to be fun," Glover concluded.
Neither the Rey movie nor the Lando-led project has confirmed release dates.