At Star Wars Celebration 2023, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy was announced as the director of the highly anticipated sequel featuring Daisy Ridley‘s Rey as a Jedi Master, 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. While the film’s release is still some years away, it has already sparked significant online discussions. Despite this, Obaid-Chinoy has emphasized that she remains focused on the story itself.
In an interview with Variety, Obaid-Chinoy discussed her approach to the film, stating, The greatest thing about Star Wars is that everyone has a personal connection to it… I’m just drowning out those voices until I’m done.
This perspective underscores her commitment to focus on delivering a compelling narrative rather than getting sidetracked by external opinions.
Emphasizing Storytelling Over Opinions
Obaid-Chinoy, known for her storytelling prowess, pointed out that she is especially drawn to focus on Rey’s evolution as a female Jedi. The story that interests me most is in Rey’s journey as a female Jedi… that’s how I can best bring my experiences to it.
Her emphasis on creating a relatable journey for Rey aligns with her past work, where a clear narrative thread is central. Having a really clear narrative thread throughout filmmaking is super important.
, she added.
A Hopeful Reunion with Old Friends?
Daisy Ridley remains the only confirmed returning cast member from the previous sequels. However, there is speculation and hope among fans that Ridley’s Rey might reunite with John Boyega’s Finn, a possibility Ridley herself has expressed interest in. Still, with no release date or title yet announced by Lucasfilm, fans are left eagerly anticipating more concrete details.
Nostalgic Yet Fresh Approaches
Speaking further about her vision for the movie, Obaid-Chinoy hinted at balancing nostalgia with fresh perspectives, aiming to draw in both new audiences and long-time fans. As a storyteller, I’m focused on drawing new moviegoers into the cinema, and bringing a sense of nostalgia that will appeal to older fans of the series.
Insight from George Lucas
Interestingly, while George Lucas did not provide direct insight into this upcoming sequel during the announcement at the celebration, past comments from those close to him add layers of context. Marcia Lucas had been quite vocal about her dissatisfaction with some aspects of the Star Wars franchise’s more recent trajectories. She once remarked, I cried because I didn’t think it was very good… There were things I didn’t like about the casting, and things I didn’t like about the story.
The Broader Impact
This latest installment in the Star Wars saga stands at a crossroads where it needs to honor its expansive legacy while pushing forward into new territories. Both excitement and criticism have marked Daisy Ridley’s portrayal of Rey, highlighting an ongoing engagement within the franchise’s broad fanbase.
Obaid-Chinoy’s determination to focus on storytelling rather than online debates may prove pivotal in crafting a film that aligns distinctively with fans’ hopes for Rey’s continued journey. As we await further developments and inevitable reveals from Lucasfilm, one thing remains clear: The force of storytelling continues to guide Star Wars into its next chapter.
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