New "Star Wars" Movie With Daisy Ridley Loses Key Screenwriter Steven Knight

Lucasfilm’s Latest ‘Star Wars’ Film Sees Yet Another Shakeup As Production Faces Delays

Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars film, set to follow Daisy Ridley’s Rey as she embarks on a new journey post-The Rise of Skywalker (2019), recently encountered another setback: the departure of screenwriter Steven Knight. Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders and numerous high-profile screenplays, had joined the project earlier this year to replace original writers Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson. However, his recent exit has raised questions about the trajectory of the film and may mean significant delays before it hits theaters.

Why Did Steven Knight Leave?

The reasons behind Knight’s departure from the Star Wars project haven’t been disclosed. The move, however, adds to a string of reshuffles in the film’s writing team, which first began when Lindelof and Britt-Gibson stepped away. Knight, whose credits also include the screenplay for Maria, an upcoming Maria Callas biopic starring Angelina Jolie, and a Peaky Blinders feature film adaptation, has been deeply involved in several major productions. With an ever-growing slate of projects, it’s possible that scheduling or creative direction could have been a factor in his decision to leave.

A Delayed Timeline for the Jedi’s Return

With Lucasfilm now searching for a new writer, the production timeline will likely face additional setbacks. Originally anticipated to commence sooner, the project may now be delayed until at least 2025, with the final release date possibly pushed even further. The Star Wars universe, known for its rich storytelling and fan-following, has seen similar production delays in recent years. The revised timeline impacts not only Ridley’s project but also the broader Star Wars release calendar. Currently, Disney has scheduled the next Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, for May 2026, followed by two untitled films in December 2026 and December 2027.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Vision for Rey’s New Path

Despite the change in writers, Pakistani-Canadian director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy remains committed to the project. Known for her impactful storytelling and two-time Academy Award-winning documentaries, Obaid-Chinoy joined the Star Wars team to bring a fresh perspective to Rey’s journey. She aims to explore Rey’s efforts to establish a new Jedi Academy, focusing on her evolution as a leader in a galaxy still feeling the ripple effects of the Skywalker saga.

In an interview discussing her recent documentary on designer Diane von Furstenberg, Obaid-Chinoy remarked that she’s particularly inspired by Rey’s role as a female Jedi. She sees Rey’s leadership journey as a powerful focal point, allowing her to bring personal experiences and insight into the story. Her direction will mark her feature film debut, a notable expansion from her work on Disney+’s Ms. Marvel series, where she brought a grounded and authentic approach to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A Franchise in Transition

The Star Wars franchise has seen a range of highs and lows in recent years, with the rise of Disney+ series like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Andor, which have been well-received for their intricate character studies and deep dives into the Star Wars universe. In contrast, theatrical releases have experienced more upheaval and change. In fact, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy recently announced multiple Star Wars projects during the 2023 Star Wars Celebration in London, including new films led by acclaimed directors like James Mangold and Dave Filoni.

James Mangold, celebrated for his work on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is slated to tackle a project focusing on the origins of the Jedi. Meanwhile, Dave Filoni, chief creative officer of Lucasfilm and a pivotal figure in the development of The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, will create a film designed to interlink Disney+ series, forming a more cohesive timeline and deepening connections across the galaxy. These developments are a testament to Lucasfilm’s commitment to refreshing the franchise, though the ongoing changes underscore the complexities involved in balancing a vast, evolving universe with fan expectations.

What’s Next for Rey’s Jedi Journey?

The next steps for the Rey-centered Star Wars movie remain uncertain as Lucasfilm evaluates potential writers to take on the story. Many fans are hopeful that the production will align with Lucasfilm’s larger vision for the franchise, which has increasingly focused on diverse voices and unique storytelling approaches. Knight’s departure may delay things, but it also opens the door for a fresh creative approach to Rey’s legacy as she builds a new Jedi Order from the remnants of the past.

This new chapter offers a powerful opportunity for Rey’s character development, a chance to bring the theme of rebuilding and renewal to a post-Skywalker galaxy. Regardless of when it arrives in theaters, this continuation of Rey’s story promises to be an exciting step for the Star Wars saga.

Daisy Ridley Responds

However, Ridley doesn’t appear concerned by this recent development. In a conversation with The Playlist, the actress indicated that Knight’s exit is simply part of the creative process, suggesting that such shifts aren’t uncommon in large projects like this one.

Additionally, Ridley dispelled rumors about a delay in the release of the film, which is currently expected to hit theaters in Christmas 2026. She clarified that no official release date has been set, noting, “We don’t have a date… the creative process is really a journey.” The actress emphasized that Lucasfilm is taking the time to ensure they get it right,

expressing genuine excitement about the project’s direction.

Ridley is also busy outside of Star Wars, with her new film Magpie premiering today and recent roles in Zak Hilditch’s We Bury the Dead and Martin Campbell’s Cleaner. She even hinted playfully at a potential role in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming Spaceballs sequel, laughing about a friend’s involvement in the project.

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Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm