In a historic move, Pakistan-born filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has been tapped to direct one of three upcoming Star Wars films, making her the first woman and person of color to lead a project in the iconic franchise.
The film, set 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker (2019), will see British actress Daisy Ridley reprise her role as Rey, the courageous Jedi heroine. The story will follow Rey’s mission to rebuild the Jedi Order, carrying forward the saga’s legacy of hope and resilience.
Obaid-Chinoy, a two-time Academy Award winner celebrated for her documentaries exposing violence against women, says she was drawn to the universal theme of the hero’s journey. “I’ve spent much of my life meeting real heroes battling oppressive regimes and defying the odds—and that, to me, is the essence of Star Wars,” she explained.
The director previously helmed Marvel’s Ms. Marvel series, introducing audiences to the franchise’s first Muslim superhero.
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy revealed that each of the three new films will explore different eras of the Star Wars timeline, each led by a distinct director. Acclaimed filmmaker James Mangold will tell the story of the Jedi Order’s ancient origins, while franchise veteran Dave Filoni will expand on the interconnected stories of The Mandalorian and beyond.
Fans were also treated to a first look at Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, the beloved Jedi warrior making her live-action series debut this August.
With fresh perspectives, new stories, and groundbreaking creative leadership, the galaxy far, far away is about to enter an exciting new chapter.
