A new year means a new slate of projects to get excited for, both this year and a little further out.ForStar Warsfans, especially fans of the Sequel Trilogy, 2024 means we’re just that much closer to the currently-untitled Rey movie, which will seeDaisy Ridleyreprising her breakout role as the scavenger-turned-Jedi. While not much is currently known about the movie, beyond the fact that it’s set 15 years afterThe Rise of Skywalker, excitement is clearly mounting behind the scenes, judging by some recent comments from directorSharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Ina New Year’s Eve interview with CNN,Obaid-Chinoy expressed her excitement for the upcoming movie, saying “I’m very thrilled about the project because I think what we’re about to create is something very special.” Thisechoes similar sentiments Ridley sharedwith Collider, as she toldSteve Weintraub:“I’m very excited. The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited.”
In her interview, CNN’sKristie Lu Stoutalso celebrated that Obaid-Chinoy is the first woman and first person of color to direct a Star Wars movie, something Obaid-Chinoy acknowledged as long-overdue: “We’re in 2024 now, and I think it’s about time we had a woman come forward to shape the story in a galaxy far, far away.” The distinction is key, asVictoria Mahoneywas the second-unit director forThe Rise of Skywalker. Things fared better on the small screen, with a diverse directorial roster onThe Mandalorian,Ahsoka,andThe Book of Boba Fett, as well as withDeborah Chowdirecting the entirety ofObi-Wan Kenobi. Looking ahead as well, there isThe Acolyte, which comes from creatorLeslye Headland.Nevertheless, the importance of having a woman — and a woman of color at that — directing a Star Wars movie, cannot be overstated, especially as the franchise enters its 47th year.
The Future of Star Wars Movies
Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars project wasannounced at Star Wars Celebration last spring, alongside a pair of other films spanning the length of the Star Wars timeline. It was also announced thatIndiana Jones and the Dial of DestinydirectorJames Mangoldwoul direct a movie set during the dawn of the Jedi, and Lucasfilm’sChief Creative OfficerDave Filoniwill direct a movie that serves as a culmination of the “Mandoverse.” Though not much is known about any of these projects so far, fans eager to get an idea ofObaid-Chinoy’s storytelling stylecancheck out Episodes 4 and 5ofMs. Marvel, which are sofull of action, romance, and adventure, it’s enough to give us hope thatRey will have a continuation to her story that is worthy of the incredible character she is.
There iscurrently no release date for Obaid-Chinoy’sStar Warsmovie. In the meantime, you can stream the rest of the saga on Disney+.
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
The Star Wars saga continues as new heroes and galactic legends go on an epic adventure, unlocking mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
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