"First Post-Skywalker Star Wars Novel Explores New Universe"

Star Wars fans, get ready to dive into the universe beyond "The Rise of Skywalker" with an exciting new addition that's not from Shawn Levy—yet. While anticipation remains high for Levy's upcoming film "Star Wars: Starfighter," a new young adult novel titled "Star Wars: The Last Order" will offer a fresh perspective on the aftermath of the 2019 film. Revealed on Penguin Random House's website, this novel will delve deeper into the lives of John Boyega's beloved hero, Finn, and Naomi Ackie's resistance ally, Jannah, characters introduced in "The Rise of Skywalker."

Written by Kwame Mbalia, the official synopsis promises an engaging plot: "Following the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the Resistance rescues a ship full of young passengers who had been kidnapped by the First Order. As Finn and Jannah set out to find the First Order officer responsible before he can endanger any more children, the two former stormtroopers must wrestle with their own complicated pasts as soldiers of the oppressive regime." This narrative not only continues the saga but also explores the personal journeys of Finn and Jannah, adding depth to their characters.

"Star Wars: The Last Order" marks the first project to explore the Star Wars universe post-"Rise of Skywalker," despite other planned projects in the pipeline. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy shed light on the future of the Star Wars timeline during a February interview with Deadline, stating, "It’s all post-[the first] nine. Shawn’s is a standalone Star Wars story that'll take place post-nine, maybe five or six years out." Jonathan Tropper, the writer attached to Levy's film, expressed his enthusiasm last month to Screen Rant, saying, "I hope it's on the way sooner than you think." The excitement continued to build when the film's release date was announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan, with Ryan Gosling confirmed to star.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

View 23 Images

According to Penguin Random House, "Star Wars: The Last Order" is set to hit the shelves on October 21, 2025. Meanwhile, fans will need to wait a bit longer for Shawn Levy's "Star Wars: Starfighter," which is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027. As the Star Wars saga continues to expand, both on the page and on the screen, fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.