"First Look: New Star Wars Novel Dives Into Post-Rise of Skywalker Era"

We’re finally getting a glimpse into the future of the Star Wars universe post-The Rise of Skywalker, but not through Shawn Levy’s lens — at least, not yet. While fans eagerly await Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, they can dive into the aftermath of the 2019 film sooner with the new young adult novel, Star Wars: The Last Order.

Announced on Penguin Random House’s website, Star Wars: The Last Order will delve deeper into the stories of John Boyega’s beloved hero Finn and Naomi Ackie’s resistance ally Jannah, both introduced in The Rise of Skywalker. The novel, penned by Kwame Mbalia, offers an intriguing 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.”

In a February interview with Deadline, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy shed light on the project's timeline. “It’s all post-[the first] nine,” she explained. “Shawn’s is a standalone Star Wars story that'll take place post-nine, maybe five or six years out.” Last month, Jonathan Tropper, the writer on the project, expressed his enthusiasm to Screen Rant, stating, "I hope it's on the way sooner than you think." Days later, 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 ImagesAccording to Penguin Random House, Star Wars: The Last Order is slated for release on October 21, 2025. Meanwhile, fans will have to wait a bit longer for Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027.