Summary
TheStar Warsfranchise reportedly views Daisy Ridley’s Rey Skywalker as its most valuable asset, and the reason appears to be a lack of alternative options.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerwas billed as the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga, which started with George Lucas' original 1977 film. So, fans were surprised when they learned Lucasfilm was developing anewStar Warstrilogy by writer Simon Kinbergthat some were reporting would be Episodes 10, 11, and 12 of the Skywalker Saga. There are still conflicting reports about whether or not the trilogy is a continuation of the main saga or if it’s separate, and the debate seemingly revolves around the involvement of Ridley’s Rey Skywalker.
The Hollywood Reporterwrites that its source claimsRidley’s Rey Skywalker is set to play a crucial role in several developingStar Warsmovies. While it’s unclear which newStar Warsmovies she’ll be part of, Lucasfilm reportedly views Ridley’s Rey as the key to the franchise and hopes to involve her in Kinberg’s trilogy. THR notes that Kingberg’s trilogy could potentially conflict with director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s standaloneNew Jedi OrderStar Warsmovie featuring Ridley as Rey. The latter project was announced atStar Wars Celebration2023 but has since suffered multiple setbacks, with the search for a new writer underway after losing three former scribes. THR reports that insiders “dispute” any battle over who gets to use Rey, but Lucasfilm is pondering what to do with the character, whom one source described as potentially the franchise’s only asset.
Lucasfilm may view Ridley’s Rey as important to theStar Warsfranchise because most of its iconic characters are off the table. With The Skywalker Saga complete,iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Leia Skywalker Organ Solo, Han Solo, Darth Vader, Yoda, and Emperor Palpatine have all been killed. While these characters would return in prequels or spinoffs, as Ewan McGregor did in theObi-Wan Kenobiseries, any projects set in theStar Warstimeline’s future will need newer faces. “Star Wars is a nostalgia-based enterprise and they are running out of ways to create nostalgia,” one source told THR.
Fans may not be surprised by the importance Lucasfilm is placing on Rey. WhileRidley’s Rey received hate from someStar Warsfans, many others were endeared toward her. Some may argue John Boyega’s Finn or Oscar Isaac’s Finn are equally popular characters (or more so). However, because Rey is the heir to the Skywalker name and the future of the Jedi Order, Kinberg’s new trilogy could arguably only be considered part of the Skywalker Saga if she is involved.
Of course, some fans believe a reliance on nostalgia and an inability to move on from the Skywalker saga is part of what’s ailing theStar Warsfranchise. Lucasfilm appears to feel differently, so fans must wait to see whose instincts are correct.
TheStar Warsfranchise is available on Disney Plus.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd with the 1977 motion picture. The science fiction franchise follows the adventures of characters (both humanoid and alien) in outer space including those who can wield a mystical power known as the Force. Since the release of the original trilogy of movies, the franchise has expanded to include multiple films and branched out to other media like comics, video games, TV shows, theme park attractions, and more. The IP and Lucasfilm were sold to Disney in 2012.
