Star Wars Rey Spinoff Starring Daisy Ridley Loses Screenwriter

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As a seasoned cinephile who has weathered numerous storms in the galaxy far, far away, I must say that the continuous delays and changes in the Rey Star Wars spin-off project have left me both intrigued and slightly exasperated. It’s like watching a game of musical chairs, with writers coming and going, leaving fans to wonder if they’ll ever get a chance to dance.

Fans accustomed to delays in the Star Wars universe won’t be taken aback by the latest hitch in another movie project. The projected spin-off starring Daisy Ridley as Rey, slated for direction by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and initially scheduled for a December 18, 2026 release, has encountered another writer departure. This marks the second time the script has been left without a writer, causing some enthusiasts to ponder if this film will eventually see the light of day.

According to reports, screenwriter Steven Knight has stepped away from working on the Star Wars spin-off focusing on Rey. This follows the departure of previous writers, Damon Lindeloff and Justin Britt-Gibson, who were replaced by Knight due to issues with the script not aligning with Lucasfilm’s vision. Now, Lucasfilm is seeking new writers to take over the scriptwriting duties, but a significant setback has pushed the project back, suggesting it may not appear on screen until late 2025. This potential delay raises concerns about its previously announced release date in December 2026, as the film is currently stuck in development limbo along with other projects at Disney and Lucasfilm.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that Obaid-Chinoy remains involved in the project, which is rumored to delve into Rey’s journey as she establishes a new Jedi Academy 15 years following the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.” Unfortunately, there’s no news on why Stephen Knight has stepped away, but it’s not unheard of for creative tensions to arise between directors and Lucasfilm’s higher-ups in the expansive Star Wars universe. Although it’s unconfirmed if this is the case here, given Knight’s renowned work on “Peaky Blinders,” it seems more likely that creative disagreements rather than a lack of skill are driving his departure from the project.

The Star Wars Rey Spin-off Was Announced 18 Months Ago

18 months ago at Star Wars Celebration 2023, the Rey spin-off was initially unveiled, and since then, there have been a series of adjustments happening behind the scenes. Actress Daisy Ridley has discussed the project in several interviews, maintaining a positive outlook about its potential. Most recently, she stated, “Things are changing. I remain very enthusiastic. A new development is coming soon.” This isn’t necessarily the update she may have been expecting, but perhaps it’s a good sign that they’re working diligently to find the right direction for the project before moving forward.

Obaid-Chinoy continues to express optimism regarding the project, particularly as it concerns crafting a fresh “Star Wars” narrative for a new crop of female creators. The director expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m genuinely excited about this endeavor as I believe what we’re on the verge of creating is truly unique. In 2024, it’s long overdue for a woman to take charge and mold a tale within a galaxy far, far away.

Currently, it seems that “The Mandalorian and Grogu” will be the upcoming Star Wars production, given that it’s said to have completed filming. Moreover, a James Mangold-directed project is still being developed, along with a Star Wars story directed by Dave Filoni.

The Rey Star Wars spinoff is currently set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.

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2024-10-25 20:04