Disney appears to be facing uncertainty over its next steps for the Star Wars film franchise, with The Mandalorian and its popular character, Grogu, being the only confirmed TV-to-film adaptation headed for theaters.
Recent reports suggest that Rey may be positioned as the linchpin of the next phase of Star Wars movies, as Disney seeks to move beyond overused Skywalker saga material.
As explained:
“Perhaps that is why Lucasfilm was receptive to [Simon] Kinberg’s multi-story pitch. Anything to move Rey forward. But it does engender rumors in the Star Wars underground of filmmakers jostling for characters.”
Although some insiders dispute the idea of a “battle” for Rey, there’s definitely internal debate at Lucasfilm regarding her role.
“She is the most valuable cinematic asset, in some ways maybe the only one, Star Wars has right now,” one source close to the franchise told.
This emphasis on Rey largely stems from the fact that the first five Disney-era movies saw the deaths of nearly all the central characters from the original trilogy: Han, Luke, and Leia are gone, along with Ben Solo, Darth Vader, and Emperor Palpatine (again).
The spin-offs have also thinned the cast; Solo focused on a young Han, and Rogue One killed off its entire main cast, including characters connected to Andor, the franchise’s critically acclaimed series.
This leaves Rey, Poe, and Finn as the main “new” trio—characters who, despite being well-received, haven’t reached the iconic status of the originals. While Oscar Isaac initially expressed disinterest in returning as Poe, he has softened his stance in recent years.
John Boyega, vocal about his dissatisfaction with Finn’s storyline, has indicated he’d be open to a return, hoping for a role where Finn trains as a Jedi. Daisy Ridley, despite the pressures of playing Rey, has also expressed willingness to reprise her role.
Disney is in a challenging position as it tries to establish a post-Skywalker era, unable to draw on the extended Legends canon, which included characters like Jaina and Jacen Solo, or the romantic arc between Luke and Mara Jade.
Even with Rey now adopting the Skywalker name, her origins as a Palpatine complicate her connection to the legacy.
Beyond Rey’s potential as a central figure, Disney has struggled to break new ground. Dave Filoni’s Disney+ series have largely continued Rebels and Clone Wars storylines. Attempts to go through the High Republic era with The Acolyte haven’t gained the same traction.
The franchise’s most celebrated Disney-era projects, Andor and Rogue One, haven’t retained their creators for future films, leaving a void in directorial continuity.
While there is talk of a new Rey-led era that could extend into a trilogy, Disney’s pattern of scrapped Star Wars projects—over half a dozen in recent years—makes any long-term plan seem uncertain until it’s underway.
