New Star Wars Book Explores Post-Skywalker Era

We're finally glimpsing what comes after The Rise of Skywalker – though not through Shawn Levy's vision yet. While anticipation remains high for the Deadpool & Wolverine director's upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, fans will now explore the post-2019 film era sooner via the new YA novel Star Wars: The Last Order.

Revealed through Penguin Random House's website, the novel delves deeper into John Boyega's fan-favorite character Finn and Naomi Ackie's Resistance fighter Jannah (introduced in Rise of Skywalker). Author Kwame Mbalia's story follows:

"After the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the Resistance intercepts a ship carrying children abducted by the First Order. As Finn and Jannah hunt down the responsible officer before he harms more children, both former stormtroopers must confront their complicated pasts serving the oppressive regime."

This represents the first official exploration of the post-Rise of Skywalker timeline – though not the first project planned to do so. Levy's film remains in development, as Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed in February: "It's set years after Episode IX – maybe five or six years later." Screenwriter Jonathan Tropper recently reaffirmed his excitement for the project to Screen Rant, teasing: "I hope it arrives sooner than expected." Days later, Ryan Gosling's casting and a May 28, 2027 release date were announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan.

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Star Wars: The Last Order arrives October 21, 2025 – giving fans something to enjoy while waiting for Levy's 2027 film.