AceShowbiz - Screenwriter Steven Knight has left the "Star Wars" film set to chronicle Daisy Ridley's Rey after the events of "The Rise of Skywalker". Variety exclusively reported Knight's hiring in March 2023, replacing original screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson.

Lucasfilm is actively pursuing potential writers, however, this delay suggests production may begin late in 2025 at the earliest. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy remains attached to direct the film, which would mark her feature debut. She previously directed episodes of "Ms. Marvel" and won Oscars for best documentary short films.

Knight has been busy writing the screenplay for the upcoming Maria Callas biopic "Maria" starring Angelina Jolie, a feature film adaptation of his BBC series "Peaky Blinders," and creating series for FX, Disney+, and the BBC.

The next "Star Wars" film, "The Mandalorian and Grogu", will premiere in May 2026. Disney has scheduled two more "Star Wars" films for December 2026 and December 2027.

At the 2023 Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm confirmed that, in addition to Obaid-Chinoy's film, they were developing movies with director James Mangold and Dave Filoni. Puck News first reported Knight's departure.

Puck News also indicated that the film may not meet its rumored December 2026 release date. This project was once expected to be the first new "Star Wars" film after "The Rise of Skywalker", but that plan was altered with the announcement of "The Mandalorian & Grogu."

Despite the departure of Knight, Lucasfilm remains committed to developing the "New Jedi Order" film and hopes to secure a new writer soon.