Disney's Star Wars Rey movie hit with another setback

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" European Premiere - Red Carpet Arrivals
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" European Premiere - Red Carpet Arrivals | Karwai Tang/GettyImages

Disney's handling of the Star Wars franchise is a bit of a mess right now. From cancelations to delays, it feels like Lucasfilm doesn't know what it's doing with the one surefire franchise.

Creative differences have led to multiple TV shows and movies getting scrapped or canceled. And now the latest movie impacted is the previously announced Star Wars film that was focused on Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker.

The movie hasn't been canceled, but it did hit a road bump this week with the departure of writer Steven Knight. The Peaky Blinders creator was tapped to write the movie following the departure of Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson who stepped away when their vision clashed with Kennedy's.

As of right now, the studio is in talks with other writers, but it's unclear how far along those talks are right now. Ultimately, what this does mean is that production on the film won't start until 2025 at the earliest. Announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, the film will feature Daisy Ridley who returns as Rey as she builds a new Jedi Order.

Ms. Marvel director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy remains attached to helm this "New Jedi Order" movie. Although not properly labeled as Episode X, this does feels like this will serve as a epilogue to the divisive sequel trilogy. Other than that, not much is known about the movie, although lead star Daisy Ridley said this week that "there will be an update soon."

As it currently stands, the next Star Wars movie slated to be released is The Mandalorian and Grogue. Directed by Jon Favreau, it's still on track to be release in May 2026.

With this latest setback involving the departure of yet another writer, fans will likely continue to call for Kathleen Kennedy to be removed from her role as president of Lucasfilm.