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Disney has announced plans for three new "Star Wars" sequels, one of which features Daisy Ridley reprising her role as the Jedi hero Rey. The upcoming film is set 15 years after the events of 2019's "The Rise of Skywalker" and will focus on the rebuilding of the new Jedi order as they band together to take down evil forces.
The announcement was made by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy at the annual Star Wars Celebration fan convention in London, where Ridley confirmed her return to the blockbuster franchise. This marks a major milestone for the "Star Wars" franchise, as one of the sequels will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the first woman and person of color to direct a "Star Wars" movie.
Obaid-Chinoy, a Pakistani filmmaker, has won two Academy Awards for documentary short films and most recently directed two episodes of "Ms. Marvel" for Disney+. Jon Favreau, executive producer of "The Mandalorian," expressed his excitement about Ridley's return, stating that "It shows you how strong that community is and how big of a bond you develop." Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012 for $4 billion and released three successful films between 2015 and 2019, as well as several TV series on the Disney+ streaming service.
Following the release of "The Rise of Skywalker," the company paused filming on new "Star Wars" installments, including the shelving of the planned 2023 release of "Rogue Squadron." No release dates have been announced for the upcoming sequels, but Disney has reserved holiday dates in 2025 and 2027 for films in the franchise without any listed titles.
Daisy Ridley to Reprise Role as Rey in New ‘Star Wars’ Film https://t.co/OlwEC1NtAD — Variety (@Variety) April 7, 2023
A Groundbreaking Director for "Star Wars"
One of the most notable aspects of this announcement is the involvement of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as director for one of the upcoming "Star Wars" sequels.
Obaid-Chinoy's appointment as the first woman and person of color to direct a "Star Wars" film is a major milestone for the franchise. Obaid-Chinoy's work as a filmmaker has focused primarily on social justice and human rights issues, and her documentaries have won critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Her involvement in the "Star Wars" franchise is sure to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the series.
The Future of "Star Wars"
With the announcement of three new "Star Wars" sequels, fans of the franchise can look forward to a continuation of the epic saga in a galaxy far, far away.
Disney's investment in the franchise has proven successful, and the addition of fresh talent like Obaid-Chinoy ensures that the "Star Wars" universe will continue to evolve and expand. While no release dates have been announced, the anticipation for the next installment is sure to build in the coming months and years.