In the ever-expanding Star Wars universe, few characters have generated as much attention and intrigue as Rey, the heroine at the center of the sequel trilogy. Played by Daisy Ridley, Rey Skywalker’s journey from a lonely scavenger on Jakku to the last Jedi and ultimately the rise of Skywalker has been a central theme in the latest era of Star Wars films. As the galaxy far, far away continues to evolve with new projects and stories, sources close to Lucasfilm reveal that Rey is set to play an even more pivotal role in the future of the franchise. In fact, some insiders believe she may be the “most valuable cinematic asset” Star Wars has right now—possibly its only one.
Rey Skywalker: A Star Wars Legacy in the Making
Since her introduction in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Rey Skywalker’s character has been at the center of passionate discussions among fans, critics, and filmmakers alike. As a force-sensitive young woman who discovers her connection to the Force, Rey’s story was built on the foundation of iconic legacy characters—Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo—while also forging her own path. By the time Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) was released, Rey had become the face of a new generation of Star Wars fans, bringing fresh energy to a franchise that had just concluded its 40-year saga.
Now, with the Star Wars saga moving into a post-Skywalker era, Rey Skywalker’s role is being redefined. Sources within Lucasfilm indicate that Rey’s character will remain an essential figure in the narrative of Star Wars, with several new movies featuring her currently in development. Far from being a relic of the past, Rey is poised to be the guiding figure in a new chapter of the Star Wars universe.
Rey Skywalker as the Future of Star Wars
The decision to keep Rey at the center of future Star Wars films speaks to her importance not only within the current generation of fans but also in terms of Lucasfilm’s long-term vision. After the conclusion of the Skywalker saga, the studio has made it clear that it wants to focus on building new stories that can expand the universe in bold, creative directions. Rey, as the most prominent new character introduced in the sequels, is seen as the ideal anchor for this next phase.
“She is the most valuable cinematic asset, in some ways maybe the only one, Star Wars has right now,” a source within the industry told Variety. This statement underscores how critical Rey is to the franchise’s ongoing success. Unlike many other major franchises, Star Wars no longer has a central figure in the mold of Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader, making Rey the most likely candidate to carry the torch forward. The return of her character is not just about nostalgia—though that certainly plays a role—but also about providing a bridge from the old era to the new.
The Direction of Rey’s Story: What Can We Expect?
Details about the specific storylines of the upcoming films are scarce, but Lucasfilm has been vocal about its intent to explore new aspects of Rey’s character. Since the ending of The Rise of Skywalker saw Rey taking the mantle of the Skywalker name and symbolically closing the chapter on the Skywalker bloodline, it’s clear that her journey is far from over.
One of the most exciting aspects of Rey’s character moving forward is the potential for her to build a new Jedi Order. The sequels hinted at Rey’s role as a new hope for the Jedi, but with the destruction of the old Jedi Temple and the deaths of figures like Luke and Leia, Rey is left to chart her own course. This presents intriguing possibilities: Will Rey restore the Jedi to their former glory? Or will she forge a new path, one that challenges the traditional structure of the Jedi Order? Given her distinct and evolving understanding of the Force, Rey’s actions will likely have far-reaching consequences for the galaxy.
Additionally, the Star Wars universe is brimming with untapped potential when it comes to new planets, factions, and characters. Rey, as the central figure in this new era, will likely serve as the focal point of these explorations, whether she’s dealing with ancient Force powers, exploring new corners of the galaxy, or facing challenges from new enemies.
A Stronger Connection to the Fans
Rey’s popularity with a diverse fanbase cannot be overstated. As one of the first major female protagonists in the Star Wars franchise, her character resonated with many fans who had long wanted to see a woman take center stage in the Star Wars galaxy. Daisy Ridley’s portrayal of Rey has been praised for its emotional depth and relatability, with Rey’s struggles to find her place in the galaxy echoing the experiences of many fans.
Moreover, Rey has become a symbol of resilience and self-discovery. Her story arc is one of overcoming personal doubts and finding strength within herself, making her a powerful role model for audiences of all ages. This connection between Rey and the fanbase is crucial as Lucasfilm looks to the future of the franchise, and it is clear that the studio intends to continue to capitalize on the character’s wide appeal.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Rey Skywalker in Other Media
While Rey’s future in Star Wars films is certainly exciting, it’s worth noting that her influence may extend beyond the big screen. With Star Wars becoming an increasingly cross-platform phenomenon—spanning television series, books, comics, and video games—there’s ample opportunity for Rey to appear in various forms of media. The success of shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka has demonstrated that the Star Wars brand can thrive across multiple formats, and Rey’s continued presence in these different media channels could further solidify her role as the franchise’s anchor.
Conclusion
As Lucasfilm prepares to usher in a new era of Star Wars storytelling, Rey’s central role in the future of the franchise is undeniable. The character’s potential for growth, coupled with her strong connection to the fanbase, makes her the logical choice for leading Star Wars into the next phase. Whether she is rebuilding the Jedi Order, battling new threats, or exploring deeper mysteries of the Force, Rey’s story will be essential in defining what Star Wars looks like in the years to come.
Indeed, as one insider put it, Rey may be the “only” cinematic asset Star Wars has right now. With the galaxy in flux and a vast universe still waiting to be explored, it’s clear that Rey is poised to be not just a continuation of the past, but a beacon for the future of Star Wars. The Force is strong with her, and the galaxy is ready for her next chapter.