Rey: The New Hope For Star Wars (Irrespective Of The Ending)
Rey, the protagonist of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has been the subject of some contention among fans. Disney and Lucasfilm may have struggled to find their footing in presenting the Star Wars galaxy, but Rey’s story still has the potential to launch the franchise into a new era.
From the scrapped Rey movie to what’s next, here’s what the future could hold for the galaxy’s newest Jedi.
The 2026 Rey Movie: Why Is It Delayed
In April 2023, Lucasfilm officially revealed a new film that would continue Rey’s journey and depict her efforts to rebuild the Jedi also after The Rise of Skywalker. Fans were excited to see some fresh eyes on the post-Skywalker era, but in November 2024, the film was officially pulled from its planned December 2026 release date.
Why Was Rey’s Movie Delayed?
A few hurdles have delayed production:
- Multiple writers worked on the film, including Damon Lindelof, Justin Britt-Gibson, and Steven Knight, none of whom stayed on the project long enough to produce a completed script.
- Other Star Wars films, like The Mandalorian & Grogu and Dawn of the Jedi, have taken precedence.
- Balancing excitement with a new story has been a challenge, particularly following the mixed, divisive reception of the sequel trilogy.
Rey’s Return Matters for Star Wars. Here’s Why.
Rey is a significant figure in the future of Star Wars. Coming back would correct past wrongdoings and give the franchise a new life.
A Fresh Start
With little information available about Rey’s trajectory past The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm is free to:
- Create new characters and settings beyond the Skywalker legacy.
- Unpack Rey’s development as a leader of the Jedi.
- Create some storylines that don’t revolve around the Empire versus Rebellion dilemma.
Building Out the Star Wars Universe
If Rey were to indeed show back up in the franchise and embark on a new journey, that journey wouldn’t have to involve rehashing the same old battles. Doing so would not only give longtime fans something fresh but would also help pull in a younger audience.
Mistakes of the Sequel Trilogy: What We Learned
The Star Wars sequels were criticized for a few reasons:
- The constant director shift also made the tone a bit uneven.
- Rey’s history and development were hasty.
- The films are dominated by nostalgia rather than crafting something new.
How Lucasfilm Should Fix Rey’s Story
In order to make Rey’s next appearance work, Lucasfilm must:
- Write a carefully planned script that resonates with your audience.
- Emphasis on plot depth over special effects.
- Stay in your lane” “Give fans what they expect local”
Challenges Facing Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm has grappled with keeping the candle burning for Star Wars movies since Solo: A Star Wars Story floundered at the box office in 2018. Multiple announced projects, like a trilogy from Rian Johnson, as well as Rogue Squadron from Patty Jenkins, have been canceled or delayed.
Instead, Disney has dedicated more attention to streaming shows such as The Mandalorian and Andor, and big-screen releases have slowed.
Upcoming Star Wars Projects
Lucasfilm’s current focus:
- The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) – A feature film expanding the Mandalorian story.
- Dawn of the Jedi (2027) — A movie about the beginning of the Jedi.
- Disney’s ongoing investment, in the form of television shows, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — has at times marginalized Star Wars.
How Fans Are Responding to Rey’s Return
Some fans are thrilled to see Rey return, while others are less than impressed to have her back. But if executed properly, her next movie might:
- Honor Star Wars history, while moving the story forward.
- Make Rey a real character, beyond being a hero.
- Work with a really good creative team you can trust who understands the franchise.
Is Rey Ready to Lead the Future of Star Wars?
Rey’s upcoming feature is a milestone for Star Wars. If Lucasfilm can focus on:
- Strong storytelling
- Well-developed characters
- Taking the Star Wars universe in fresh directions
- Only then might the franchise recover its energy and enthusiasm.
Even with delays and challenges, Rey’s story still has the opportunity to take Star Wars into a new era. That is if Lucasfilm can take the right approach.
