Among the vast universe of fandoms, few have elicited as much debate and division as the devoted followers of Star Wars. This polarization has particularly intensified following Disney’s acquisition and the conclusion of the illustrious Skywalker Saga. The release of the final film in the sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker, left many fans feeling a sense of emptiness and unfulfillment. Nevertheless, the Star Wars franchise continues to inspire hope. Rey, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, the leading character of the sequel trilogy, is set to reprise her role in a new project tentatively titled New Jedi Order. After overcoming several production hurdles, New Jedi Order has secured a new writer and is gradually progressing towards filming.

With the talented director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on board, the upcoming film is expected to take place many years after Episode XI, likely following Rey as she mentors a fresh generation of Jedi. While detailed plot information remains scarce, the anticipation builds around who will join Rey and what new adversaries will emerge in this evolving narrative. What’s abundantly clear is that Rey, along with New Jedi Order and the entire Star Wars universe, has the potential to finally break free from the confines of the Skywalker Saga, inviting fresh storytelling and innovative adventures.

Analyzing the Key Missteps of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

One notable flaw within the sequel trilogy is most evident in its concluding chapter, The Rise of Skywalker. Early in the film, Poe, played by Oscar Isaac, exclaims, “Somehow, Palpatine returned.” This statement reveals Emperor Palpatine’s (Ian McDiarmid) dramatic comeback, which he announces throughout the galaxy. However, this resurrection is murkily explained through the concepts of cloning and an enduring Sith existence, leaving many questions unanswered. This narrative choice was challenging for viewers, especially for those hoping the conclusion of the sequel trilogy would provide a satisfying and refreshing resolution. While The Force Awakens delivered moments of enjoyment, it also set the stage for a series of callbacks to the original trilogy, leading to a predictable storyline.

In contrast, Return of the Jedi depicted the downfall of the Galactic Empire, only for a strikingly similar power, the First Order, to emerge by the time of The Force Awakens. The introduction of Starkiller Base, a planet-sized version of the Death Star, results in the destruction of a significant portion of the New Republic. The return of beloved characters such as Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) feels almost forced, as they return to their old ways, pausing for dramatic effect as if waiting for audience applause. The iconic trio—Luke (Mark Hamill), Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han—never truly reunites, creating a sense of disconnection in the narrative.

It’s not merely the resurrection of a pivotal character after experiencing a well-deserved demise that stings. It’s the underlying implications for the franchise, highlighting a nearly identical structure to the original trilogy. The excessive reliance on nostalgia and callbacks has become a significant burden, rather than serving as enjoyable nods to the past. When the narrative dares to explore new territory, it is often met with backlash and quickly retracted, exemplified by the stark disconnect between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Yet, rather than remaining entirely critical, it’s essential to acknowledge what has worked under Disney’s stewardship of Star Wars, celebrate those elements, and explore potential paths for the franchise’s future.

Embracing New Beginnings: Moving Beyond the Skywalker Saga Blueprint

The conclusion of the Skywalker Saga encapsulated Rey’s journey as she declares herself a Skywalker. In a pivotal moment, when asked for her full name, she gazes at the Force Ghosts of Luke and Leia and opts to adopt their surname, despite having no blood relation to them. The Last Jedi initially presented an opportunity for Rey to symbolize the idea that anyone can become a hero, regardless of their lineage. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) emphasizes her insignificance by stating she is not a Skywalker, not a Kenobi, but an ordinary person. This narrative thread held great potential, as it could have illustrated the idea that even a “commoner” can connect with The Force and resist evil. However, the decision to retroactively make Rey a Palpatine by blood and a Skywalker by choice undermined this message.

Does Rey’s upcoming New Jedi Order film need to address these narrative inconsistencies? Not necessarily. However, it must focus on breaking free from the constraints of the Skywalker Saga and encourage Rey to explore uncharted territories within the Star Wars universe. Numerous promising elements introduced in the sequel trilogy were either underutilized or completely abandoned. For instance, Finn (John Boyega), a former Stormtrooper turned Force-sensitive rebel, received minimal development after The Force Awakens. Rey’s own confrontation with the dark side became overly simplistic, as she ultimately became the embodiment of all that the Jedi aspire to be. Future narratives could explore a more nuanced understanding of the Force, allowing for the possibility of a “gray” side to emerge. The binary perception of light versus dark is not only limiting but also overly familiar. The diverse range of characters within the Star Wars universe can showcase the complexity of morality, providing a refreshing departure from the often-repeated themes.

‘Skeleton Crew’ and ‘The Acolyte’: Demonstrating the Success of Innovative Storytelling Models

The Acolyte may have faced cancellation amid extensive critical scrutiny, but its impressive ratings speak volumes about its potential. Set in a timeline that predates the Skywalker Saga, it aimed to explore new narratives and characters. Similarly, Skeleton Crew adopted a fresh perspective, centering on a group of ordinary individuals navigating life in the Star Wars universe without relying heavily on established lore. Positioned during the New Republic Era, Skeleton Crew occupies a unique space between the original and sequel trilogies. Even projects that have closely intertwined with the Skywalker Saga, such as Rogue One, Andor, and The Mandalorian, have found their greatest success by focusing on new characters and original story arcs. With Rey as the face of the New Jedi Order, fans can expect the classic elements of Force and lightsaber action they cherish. Nonetheless, the broader galaxy offers a wealth of untold stories that deserve to be explored.