Shaping Destiny: A Woman's Touch in the Star Wars Galaxy
Entering a groundbreaking era, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a prominent figure in the film industry, is set to pioneer a fresh chapter in the Star Wars franchise. As the first woman to direct a Star Wars film, Obaid-Chinoy steps into the director's chair to craft a yet-untitled production, propelling Rey Skywalker, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, into an adventurous quest to rebuild the Jedi Order, 15 years post the events of Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Obaid-Chinoy shared with CNN her excitement for this monumental project, highlighting the significance of a woman shaping the narrative in the iconic Star Wars universe. The franchise, spanning nearly five decades, has exclusively seen male directors, making this step forward a momentous stride in its history.
Details surrounding the film remain scarce, although Ridley's insight hints at an unexpected and captivating storyline. Speaking in November 2023, Ridley revealed that while she hasn't delved into the script, the storyline holds remarkable promise and is bound to captivate audiences.
The film's announcement during Star Wars Celebration 2023 on April 7 took Ridley by surprise, considering she hadn't been approached about the role until February 2023. The swift turnaround left her feeling apprehensive, although Lucasfilm's President, Kathleen Kennedy, asserted progress on Obaid-Chinoy's film and other upcoming projects helmed by Filoni and Mangold.
Despite the absence of confirmed premiere dates, Disney's release schedule teases three Star Wars films in the pipeline. The much-anticipated 2025 premiere has been rescheduled to May 22, 2026, marking the return of the cinematic saga since 2019. Additionally, fans can anticipate releases on December 18, 2026, and December 17, 2027.
