Star Wars: Rey’s Upcoming Jedi Order Film to Uphold George Lucas’ Legacy

Overview

George Nolfi is set to delve into political themes in the next installment of the Star Wars saga.
He aims to respect the franchise’s legacy while weaving his narrative into the screenplay for the New Jedi Order.
Fans are divided regarding the political elements of Star Wars, questioning the franchise’s emphasis on diversity alongside its historical political narratives.

Star Wars: New Jedi Order has recently brought writer George Nolfi on board for its screenplay, where he plans to explore the political dimensions that have long been a hallmark of the series. Nolfi’s intention aligns with George Lucas’ original vision, known for integrating broader political themes.

The concept for Star Wars: New Jedi Order was first unveiled at the 2023 Star Wars Celebration. At the event, Daisy Ridley confirmed her return as Rey Skywalker, following her journey to establish a new Jedi Order set 15 years post The Rise of Skywalker. While various writers have contributed to this project previously, with Nolfi stepping in as of January 2025, his unique perspective is anticipated to enhance the narrative.

In a recent interview with Film Stories, Nolfi discussed potential political undertones in his script. Having studied politics and philosophy, he acknowledged that Lucas’ works are richly embedded in political commentary. He pointed out how movements in the franchise often reflect historical events, such as the parallels between the Galactic Empire and totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany, as well as the downfall of the Galactic Republic echoing the fall of the Roman Empire.

Nolfi articulated that Star Wars possesses the unique ability to explore significant themes without making the audience feel as if they are attending a lecture. He remarked, “It’s not talking about today, per se, but there’s the Empire’s Nazism slash Roman Empire. The democracy of the Roman Empire collapsing and becoming an empire… This narrative serves as a perennial tale of humanity organizing against chaos, where the very mechanisms designed to maintain order can also lead to oppression.”

When asked how he plans to incorporate his individual style into such an iconic universe, Nolfi remarked on the importance of collaboration and reflection on past contributions. He is the third writer to join the creative team for this film, following Damon Lindelof, Justin Britt-Gibson, and Steven Knight, which has Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy directing since 2022. Nolfi noted the significance of respecting established narratives while infusing his voice into the project.

“The way I approach it is, you look at what’s come before you, at the broader ideas that are at play, ”he explained.“This means looking at the vision set forth by Lucasfilm and those involved and crafting a story that acknowledges the franchise’s impressive legacy.”

The inclusion of “deep”topics in Nolfi’s vision for the New Jedi Order has generated excitement among fans who value substance in storytelling. Nonetheless, a segment of the fanbase expresses concern over what they view as political overreach, particularly in response to Disney’s acquisition of Star Wars. Critics, primarily from more conservative viewpoints, argue that the franchise has adopted a “woke”agenda, which they perceive as a diversion from its core themes. This was exemplified recently when Star Wars: The Acolyte faced backlash from some viewers focused on the project’s emphasis on diversity.

It is crucial to remember that Star Wars has historically engaged with political themes, a fact underscored by George Lucas’ commentary regarding the influence of the Vietnam War and the administration of Richard Nixon on the series. The complexities surrounding the Galactic Empire serve as metaphors for American governance. While the prequels faced criticism upon their release, retrospective analyses have recognized their political intricacies. For instance, critiques surrounding the trade conflicts in The Phantom Menace have gained new context following recent contemporary trade disputes.

Overall, Star Wars: New Jedi Order is poised to continue the franchise’s tradition of tackling intricate political issues within a compelling narrative framework.

Source: Film Stories

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