New details about Damon Lindelof’s canceled Star Wars: New Jedi Order project

Screenwriter Damon Lindelof has recently revealed new details about his canceled Star Wars film, which would have focused on the clash between nostalgia and reinvention. Lindelof, known for the series Lost, was hired by Lucasfilm to write a film about the New Jedi Order, with Daisy Ridley set to reprise her role as Rey Skywalker. The story would have taken place after The Rise of Skywalker. However, he left the project in 2023, which has left some uncertainty around the franchise’s future.

About Lindelof’s New Jedi Order story

According to Lindelof, the film would have centered on the contrast between the “Force of nostalgia” and the “Force of revision.” He described his approach as an attempt to portray “the Protestant Reformation within Star Wars.” In an interview, he also spoke about the challenges he faced while writing: “I wasn’t just fired because of the premise, but the writing was really difficult. It was slow.”

The project also had to find its place within existing Star Wars canon, and questions such as whether it would launch a new trilogy added even more pressure to development. “The old tanker theory says you turn the wheel, but it takes five minutes before the change becomes visible,” he said.

Lindelof’s departure

Lindelof was hired in 2021, but was let go two years later. He clarified that Lucasfilm had positioned him well to lead the film, but expectations were high and he felt there was not enough progress being made in the writing phase.

This points to a broader issue at Lucasfilm, where questions about new storylines and a clear direction have become increasingly important. Lindelof’s exit also seems to reflect wider uncertainty around future Star Wars projects.

The future of the Star Wars franchise

Despite Lindelof’s departure, new projects are still in development within the Star Wars universe. One of the most talked-about is set to arrive: a standalone film centered on Rey Skywalker, in which she tries to build a new Jedi Order about 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy previously announced the project, but questions remain about its execution and the creative team behind it.

Alongside this standalone film, there is also talk of a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg, known for Dark Phoenix, which may also include elements involving Rey. The uncertainty there, combined with recent leadership changes at Lucasfilm, could mean new announcements about the franchise’s direction are coming soon.