Lucasfilm is moving forward with the development of Star Wars: Episode X, the film that will continue the Skywalker Saga following the events of The Rise of Skywalker. The project is gaining relevance now as the first leaks regarding its plot, lead cast, and the role Rey will play in this new stage of the franchise have emerged.
The film is set to be directed by Jon Watts, known for the Spider-Man trilogy with Marvel Studios and the Disney+ series Skeleton Crew. The screenplay, meanwhile, is reportedly being written by Simon Kinberg, writer of The Martian and several films in Fox's mutant franchise.
A new lead duo for the saga
According to the first leaks, Episode X will introduce two new protagonists in their twenties, who will carry the narrative weight of the story while Rey assumes a mentor role. The dynamic between the two characters would evoke the relationship between Rey and Finn in The Force Awakens, though with a more pronounced romantic component.
The male co-lead is described as a young orphan of humble origins who becomes embroiled in the galactic conflict after being implicated in a homicide. The female co-lead, on the other hand, belongs to royalty and high society, and would be the one to introduce her companion to the political and military sphere of the Star Wars universe.
According to these leaks, any connection between this male character and Flynn Gray, the protagonist of the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter, has been ruled out.
The future of the standalone Rey film
The decision to expand the main timeline with Episode X has reportedly caused the standalone film centered on Rey Skywalker, announced in 2023, to be temporarily paused. Based on the available information, the Jedi Master's arc would be integrated into this new ensemble installment rather than being developed as an independent project.
The creative team behind Episode X
Jon Watts would bring prior experience in the franchise to this project thanks to his work on Skeleton Crew, in addition to his track record directing large-scale productions at Marvel Studios. Simon Kinberg, for his part, would contribute a varied history that includes both acclaimed dramas and science fiction and superhero productions.
The development of Episode X comes after a lower-than-expected commercial performance for The Mandalorian and Grogu at the box office. For this reason, Disney and Lucasfilm are reportedly closely monitoring the summer release of Star Wars: Starfighter, a film that would serve as a barometer for public response before the arrival of the tenth episode of the saga.
Rey as a generational bridge in the saga
Returning to the timeline after the fall of the First Order would allow Lucasfilm to explore the reconstruction of the Galaxy and an eventual refounding of the Jedi Order. Introducing a new generation of apprentices under Rey's tutelage would open the possibility of closing pending narrative arcs and delving into the legacy of the Skywalker family from a different perspective.
This approach would recall the role that characters like Luke Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi had as guides for new generations in previous installments of the saga. Turning Rey into a transitional figure would allow Lucasfilm to renew the main cast without breaking the link with the mythology already built.
What this move implies for big-budget cinema
The return of major space sagas to the big screen demands careful work in script development and production. Current audience demands have led major studios to rethink the development timelines of their most ambitious projects.
With Episode X, Lucasfilm seeks to reaffirm the relevance of the cinematic format in the face of the constant growth of content designed for subscription streaming platforms.
For now, no official details have been revealed regarding the casting process or a start date for filming for Star Wars: Episode X. Lucasfilm is expected to provide more information in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
Who will direct Star Wars: Episode X?
The film is set to be directed by Jon Watts, director of the Spider-Man trilogy and the Skeleton Crew series.
Who is writing the script for Episode X?
The screenplay is reportedly being written by Simon Kinberg, writer of The Martian and several films in Fox's mutant franchise.
What role will Rey have in the new film?
According to the leaks, Rey Skywalker would assume a mentor role for two new young protagonists, rather than being the main lead.
Has the standalone Rey film been canceled?
It is not a cancellation, but a temporary pause, as her narrative arc would be integrated into the plot of Episode X.
When will Star Wars: Episode X be released?
So far, no official release date or start date for filming has been confirmed for this film.
What is the relationship between this project and Star Wars: Starfighter?
Starfighter is set to be released first and would serve as a reference to gauge public interest in the franchise, although its protagonist, Flynn Gray, would not be linked to the male co-lead of Episode X.
