Daisy Ridley Says “Star Wars: New Jedi Order” Ventures into Uncharted Territory

Daisy Ridley’s highly anticipated return as beloved hero Rey in the upcoming Star Wars: New Jedi Order promises to boldly go where no Star Wars film has gone before, according to Ridley.

In an interview with AlloCiné, Ridley hinted at big changes ahead, saying, “I thought about it for a little bit. And once I knew what the story was and everything, I knew it was something I really wanted to do.”

“I think it’s a really fantastic exploration of the ‘Star Wars’ world,” Ridley added. “It’s a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction.”

Behind the camera, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is set to direct the film, which is scheduled for a May 2026 release. Sharing her vision recently with CNN, Obaid-Chinoy said, “I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special.”

“And we’re in 2024 now. And it’s about time that we had a woman come forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away,” she added.

Daisy Ridley Was Surprised to Return to the Star Wars Franchise

The reveal came as a surprise even to Daisy Ridley herself. Reflecting on first learning of her return at last year’s Star Wars Celebration, Ridley said, “When I was at Sundance, I did not know. I had a breakfast with Kathy [Kennedy], that I thought was just breakfast. And then it [the new movie] was mentioned. So I thought about it. I loved the story, and I was like, ‘Okay.’ Things then happened quite quickly. And it felt like I was instantaneously on a stage being introduced by Sharmeen.”

“It honestly took me back to being 20 or 21, however old I was, when [‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’] was announced. I was petrified, I was overwhelmed, I was really nervous, but the response was really wonderful,” Ridley confessed.

Star Wars: New Jedi Order is set to begin filming in May 2024 at Pinewood Studios in the UK. Where will the film take Rey and the Star Wars franchise next? Stay tuned for more updates on the project!