The Shifting Sands of Star Wars: What's the Latest on Rey's Return?

The highly anticipated Star Wars film focusing on Rey Skywalker and the rebuilding of the Jedi Order continues to face an uncertain future, with recent reports indicating that the project is currently on an indefinite hold rather than a definitive cancellation. While rumors of its demise have circulated widely, the latest information suggests a complex landscape of script revisions, shifting priorities at Lucasfilm, and a strategic focus on other upcoming Star Wars cinematic ventures.

Rey's Jedi Order Film: Not Canceled, But Delayed Indefinitely

Despite persistent online speculation, sources close to Disney and Lucasfilm clarify that the Rey-led film, initially announced to explore the character's efforts to establish a new Jedi Order approximately 15 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, has not been outright canceled. Instead, the project is reportedly "on hold" or "temporarily halted" as it undergoes significant script development and adjustments. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy had previously affirmed in February 2025 that the movie was still moving forward.

The film, which was slated to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, has seen multiple writers attached, including Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, who exited the project, and later Steven Knight, who also reportedly departed. The constant churn in the writing team suggests creative challenges in solidifying the narrative direction for Rey's post-sequel trilogy journey. Reports from late 2024 also indicated that Disney removed a Star Wars film, widely believed to be the Rey sequel, from its December 2026 release slate, replacing it with Ice Age 6. This schedule adjustment further fueled speculation about the movie's status, though it appears to be a delay rather than a termination.

The Mandalorian & Grogu Takes Center Stage

Amidst the delays for the Rey film, Lucasfilm has seemingly prioritized other Star Wars cinematic endeavors. The most prominent of these is The Mandalorian & Grogu, a feature film continuation of the popular Disney+ series. This movie is officially scheduled for release on May 22, 2026, and is set to "lead" Lucasfilm's new slate of Star Wars films. The decision to fast-track The Mandalorian & Grogu highlights a strategic shift towards leveraging successful streaming properties for the big screen, potentially reflecting Disney's broader approach to its major franchises.

Broader Context: Disney's Evolving Film Strategy

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Rey film and the clear path for The Mandalorian & Grogu can be viewed within the larger context of Disney's evolving film strategy. The studio has recently experienced mixed box office results with some of its major releases, including Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which, despite being the highest-grossing MCU movie of 2025, had an uneven theatrical run and is considered to have "underwhelmed" at the box office. Such performances may be prompting Disney to re-evaluate its development pipeline, focusing resources on projects with clearer creative visions and stronger perceived audience appeal.

Key Takeaways

Rey Film Status: The Rey Skywalker film is not officially canceled but is currently on an indefinite hold or delayed due to ongoing script development issues and writer changes.
Shifting Priorities: Lucasfilm appears to be prioritizing The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, scheduled for May 22, 2026, as its next major cinematic release.
Creative Challenges: The Rey project has faced multiple writer changes, indicating difficulties in solidifying its narrative.
Strategic Re-evaluation: Disney's broader film strategy, potentially influenced by recent box office performances, may be contributing to the delays and re-prioritization of Star Wars projects.

The future of Rey's return to the big screen remains a topic of keen interest for Star Wars fans. While the immediate focus shifts to The Mandalorian & Grogu, the development of the Rey film continues, albeit at a slower pace, as Lucasfilm navigates the complexities of expanding a beloved galaxy far, far away.

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