George Nolfi Breaks Silence on New Jedi Order—And His Surprising Take on Star Wars

The Star Wars saga is set to continue with New Jedi Order, an upcoming film that will bring back Daisy Ridley as Rey and explore the next chapter in the galaxy far, far away. While details about the movie remain largely under wraps, screenwriter George Nolfi has shed some light on his creative approach.

In a recent interview with Film Stories, Nolfi spoke about how George Lucas’s original vision is shaping his writing process, particularly in terms of political themes and storytelling depth.

Honoring the Legacy of Star Wars

Nolfi, best known for his work on The Adjustment Bureau and The Banker, is taking great care to respect the legacy of the Star Wars universe. He recognizes that stepping into a franchise as beloved as Star Wars comes with significant responsibility.

“The way I approach it is, you look at what’s come before you, you look at the broad ideas of what they want to do… and then you do what a writer does, and try to put beats of a story together. Try and imagine characters, and then you present that with an understanding that it needs to honor, obviously, a long, incredible tradition,” Nolfi explained.

By closely examining the foundation laid by Lucas, Nolfi is ensuring that New Jedi Order remains true to the thematic core of Star Wars while also bringing new ideas to the table.

The Political Undertones of Star Wars

One of the most compelling aspects of George Lucas’s storytelling has always been the subtle but powerful political themes woven into the narrative. Nolfi is drawing inspiration from these elements, particularly the way Lucas crafted a universe that reflects broad historical and political struggles.

“If you think about George Lucas, the six movies that he did, and the universe that he created, it’s actually very steeped in broad notions of politics. It’s not talking about today, per se, but there’s the Empire’s Nazism slash Roman Empire. The democracy of the Roman Empire collapsing and becoming an empire and the perennial story of human beings organizing themselves and against chaos, and then the tools that help human societies tamp down on chaos become oppression,” he noted.

This perspective suggests that New Jedi Order may dive deeper into the cyclical nature of power, resistance, and governance—concepts that have always been central to the Star Wars saga. Lucas’s original trilogy portrayed the fall of democracy and the rise of tyranny through the Galactic Empire, while the prequels explored how a free society can gradually succumb to authoritarianism. If Nolfi follows in these footsteps, the upcoming film could provide a fresh and thought-provoking exploration of similar themes.

Science Fiction as a Vehicle for Deeper Themes

A significant strength of Star Wars lies in its ability to tackle profound topics without becoming overly didactic. Unlike traditional political or philosophical discussions, the franchise frames these issues in a fantastical setting, making them more accessible to audiences of all ages.

“One of the wonderful things about science fiction and Star Wars – which is more almost science fantasy or space opera – is that you can raise the deepest issues without it feeling like a philosophy class, or a political science class, or something I read in the newspaper today… It can be about real things, deep things,” Nolfi remarked.

This philosophy aligns perfectly with what has made Star Wars so enduring. While it features thrilling space battles, Jedi duels, and mystical elements, the heart of the saga has always been about exploring fundamental human struggles—power, freedom, corruption, and redemption.

What This Means for New Jedi Order

While Lucasfilm has yet to reveal many details about New Jedi Order, Nolfi’s comments indicate that the film will likely maintain Star Wars’ tradition of blending grand spectacle with meaningful storytelling. With Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy directing and Daisy Ridley returning as Rey, fans can expect a new chapter that stays true to the franchise’s roots while pushing the story forward.

Nolfi’s approach suggests that New Jedi Order could explore the rebuilding of the Jedi Order in the wake of the Skywalker saga, potentially tackling questions about leadership, institutional power, and the eternal struggle between light and dark.

As anticipation builds, Star Wars fans will be eager to see how Nolfi’s interpretation of Lucas’s themes translates to the screen. If his insights are any indication, New Jedi Order may not just be another adventure in the galaxy—it could be a film with significant depth and resonance.