The latest disappointing update on Daisy Ridley’s return inStar Wars: New Jedi Ordermay work to Lucasfilm’s favor, avoiding a major mistake and even boostingA New Hope’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Just a few days ago,Daisy Ridley promised an exciting updateon Lucasfilm’s “evolving” plans for her return. I admit, the last thing I expected after that comment was news thatPeaky BlindersscreenwriterSteven Knight had left the New Jedi Orderfilm. And yet, despite this shocking news, Ridley herself seems positive - even hinting again at “imminent news” on theHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcast.
Lucasfilm has currently booked three release dates forupcomingStar Warsmovies: July 14, 2025; June 13, 2025; and August 03, 2025. The studio has been wary of locking in specific films for these dates -The Mandalorian & Groguis confirmed for the May 2026 date, but that’s about it. It’s generally been assumed theNew Jedi Orderproject was penciled in for December 2026, and Ridley’s hints that a script is finished may mean it can still hit that release date. Butcould a delay actually work inStar Wars' favor?
The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Release Date Is Already A Big Gamble
Lucasfilm risks repeating Solo’s biggest mistake
Solo: A Star Wars StorywasStar Wars' first box office bomb, grossing just 393.2 million in global box office against an estimated production budget of $275 million - meaning the film didn’t even break even. Lucasfilm has generally seemed to put the failure down to fans' reluctance to accept a recast Han Solo, but in truth there are a lot more reasons; the film didn’t really have a strong hook, and the marketing campaign was shockingly lackluster.Disney seemed to assumeStar Warswas too big to fail, and the first trailer released just three months before the film came out.
The House of Mouse set upSoloto fail.
Even stranger, though, were reports Disney had refused to pushSoloback to December 2018 so it didn’t clash withAvengers: Infinity War. One of the biggest and most hotly-anticipated movies of the year,Infinity Wardominated the box office for weeks after release, andSolodropped at a time when all eyes were on Thanos. I remember writing about the two movies at the time, watching in utter confusion because Disney’s decision made absolutely no sense; the House of Mouse set upSoloto fail. Now, frustratingly, the same is true withThe Mandalorian & Grogu.
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May 2026 promises to be a big one for Disney.Avengers: Doomsdaycomes out on May 1, featuring Robert Downey, Jr.’s MCU return - now playing the villainous Doctor Doom. This will be the firstAvengersmovie to release since 2019’s record-bustingAvengers: Endgame; and it’s safe to assume this particular project will be a hit. Yet again, aStar Warsmovie is coming out just a couple of weeks later, meaningThe Mandalorian & Groguwill stand in theAvengers' shadow. That is not a safe place to be, and Lucasfilm would be wise to move it to December 2026.
Rey’s New Jedi Order Movie Is Better As Part Of ANH’s 50th Anniversary
The New Jedi Order should release in 2027
Ridley recently said plans for the “New Jedi Order” project were evolving, which means Knight’s departure may not just be because Lucasfilm passed on his script; it’s possible plans have changed, with Lucasfilm perhaps retooling directorSharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s pitch to launch a new era. This would fit with her later comments that she “might have seen something,” suggesting a script has been finished - perhaps even meaning this movie can still make the December 2026 slot. Still, that would be better forThe Mandalorian & Grogu… and a delay can work in Lucasfilm’s favor.
Daisy Ridley Promises “Imminent News” On Her Upcoming Star Wars Movie: “I Might Have Already Seen Something”
Daisy Ridley offers exciting new update on her upcoming Star Wars movie rumored to be titled Star Wars: New Jedi Order, suggesting more to come soon.
2027 is already set to be an exciting year forStar Wars; after all, it’s the 50th anniversary ofA New Hope, meaning there’s surely no better time to introduce viewers to the New Jedi Order. Recent reports have suggested James Mangold’sDawn of the Jediwill begin filming next year, meaning it can still release in 2027 as well. Imagine it;an anniversary year forStar Wars, one which reveals the origin of the Jedi Order and its future. That would be a historic way to celebrate the franchise’s legacy.
Lucasfilm Would Still Be Meeting Its Promise Of Three Movies In 2026 & 2027
Only one release date has ever been confirmed
It’s time for a confession: I’ve never been entirely convinced Lucasfilm could deliver on the promise of three upcomingStar Warsfilms. It’s not just that Lucasfilm has developed something of a bad reputation forcancelingStar Warsmovies; it’s also that I feared a lack of bandwidth. We’ve all seen what happened to Marvel Studios when the MCU began churning out a massive number of movies and TV shows at the same time; quality dropped, and the franchise faltered. But, to Lucasfilm’s credit, the studio is shifting resources and now planning to release fewer TV shows.
Disney recently recommitted to releasingthreeStar Warsmovies in 2026-2027, which surprised me given we hadn’t heard any real news about Ridley’s movie or Mangold’s project since Star Wars Celebration. The reports that Mangold’s film may actually be set to begin filming next year suggest there’s been a lot of movement we don’t know about it, explaining why the House of Mouse made this announcement. Even then, though,Disney avoided giving any new release dates. That gives Lucasfilm a bit of wriggle-room.
Personally, if I were Lucasfilm, I’d take Steven Knight’s departure as an opportunity to do some shuffling. I’d moveThe Mandalorian & Groguto December 2026, thus avoiding theSolomistake of going up against theAvengers. I’d then release twoStar Warsmovies in 2027, makingA New Hope’s celebrations bigger than ever. Knight’s departure may have caused problems, but some smart scheduling changes can make Rey’sNew Jedi Ordermovie even more of a success.
