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

We're finally getting a glimpse into the world beyond The Rise of Skywalker—but not through Shawn Levy's lens. At least, not yet. While fans eagerly await the Deadpool and Wolverine director's upcoming Star Wars film, Star Wars: Starfighter, they'll soon have the chance to dive into the post-Rise of Skywalker era through a new young adult novel titled Star Wars: The Last Order.

The book, announced via publisher Penguin Random House's website, delves deeper into the stories of John Boyega's beloved hero Finn and Naomi Ackie's resistance ally Jannah, both introduced in Rise of Skywalker. Written by Kwame Mbalia, the novel's official synopsis reads:

"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."

In a February interview with Deadline, Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy shed light on how the Star Wars timeline will evolve with this new entry. "It's all post-[the first] nine," she said. "Shawn's is a standalone Star Wars story that'll take place post-nine, maybe five or six years out." Last month, the project's writer, Jonathan Tropper, reaffirmed his enthusiasm to Screen Rant, saying, "I hope it's on the way sooner than you think." Days later, the film's release date was announced—with Ryan Gosling confirmed to star—during Star Wars Celebration Japan.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

View 23 ImagesAccording to Penguin Random House, Star Wars: The Last Order will be released on October 21, 2025, while fans will need to wait a bit longer for Levy's film, set to premiere on May 28, 2027.