Hold onto your lightsabers, Star Wars fans, because a major shake-up is rumored to be coming to the galaxy far, far away. A familiar hero will return in Simon Kinberg’s upcoming trilogy, but with a twist: they won’t be the main character. Yes, you read that right—Daisy Ridley’s Rey Skywalker is reportedly set to play a significant role, but the spotlight will shine on new leads instead. And this is the part most people miss: this could be the bridge between The Rise of Skywalker and what many fans are already calling the next trilogy (Episode X, XI, XII). But here’s where it gets controversial: does this mean Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey-centric film is being sidelined? Or could it seamlessly connect the dots between the past and this bold new direction? Let’s break it down.
After a quiet few years for Star Wars on the big screen, the franchise is gearing up for a massive comeback. The Mandalorian & Grogu kicks things off in 2026, followed by Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, which dives into the post-Rise of Skywalker era. But let’s be honest—exploring the gaps between existing movies has its limits. A fresh, post-Episode IX setting feels like a blank canvas for filmmakers, and that’s where Kinberg’s trilogy comes in.
Now, here’s the kicker: while The High Republic books and The Acolyte didn’t exactly set the galaxy on fire, Lucasfilm is betting big on this new direction. With Kathleen Kennedy stepping down as president, Dave Filoni is at the helm, and his collaboration with Kinberg (remember Star Wars Rebels?) has fans both intrigued and divided. According to Daniel Richtman, Rey’s role in the trilogy will be major but not central, leaving plenty of room for new characters to take the lead. Is this a smart way to honor the past while moving forward, or are they sidelining a beloved character? Let us know in the comments.
Meanwhile, Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey-focused film, set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, is still in the works. Written by George Nolfi (after a game of scriptwriter musical chairs), it could serve as the perfect transition to Kinberg’s trilogy. But with Filoni and Lynwen Brennan backing Kinberg’s vision, which includes a detailed 70-page treatment, it’s clear this trilogy is a priority—one that could take us well into the 2030s.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get more exciting, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania director Peyton Reed is reportedly in talks with Lucasfilm. With his experience directing The Mandalorian episodes (including Luke Skywalker’s epic return), could he be the next big name to join the Star Wars universe?
So, what do you think? Is Rey’s reduced role a missed opportunity, or a smart way to introduce new heroes? And will Kinberg’s trilogy live up to the hype? One thing’s for sure: the Force is strong with these upcoming projects, and we can’t wait to see where they take us. Stay tuned, and may the speculation be with you!
