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

Star Wars fans are eagerly awaiting a deeper dive into the galaxy far, far away following the events of *The Rise of Skywalker*. While Shawn Levy's much-anticipated film, *Star Wars: Starfighter*, is still on the horizon, fans can soon explore the post-*Rise of Skywalker* universe through a new young adult novel titled *Star Wars: The Last Order*. Revealed by Penguin Random House, this novel promises to delve into the lives of beloved characters Finn, portrayed by John Boyega, and Jannah, portrayed by Naomi Ackie, whom we met in the 2019 film.

In *Star Wars: The Last Order*, penned by Kwame Mbalia, the story picks up after the conclusion of *The Rise of Skywalker*. The Resistance embarks on a mission to rescue a ship full of kidnapped young passengers from the clutches of the First Order. As Finn and Jannah set out to track down the responsible First Order officer, they must confront their own pasts as former stormtroopers. This narrative not only promises thrilling action but also a deep exploration of the characters' complex histories and their journey towards redemption.

This novel marks the first Star Wars project to explore the universe post-*Rise of Skywalker*, although it's not the first planned project to do so. Shawn Levy's film, set to be a standalone story occurring five to six years after *The Rise of Skywalker*, remains a highly anticipated addition to the franchise. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has confirmed that Levy's project will expand the Star Wars timeline significantly. In a recent interview with Deadline, she stated, "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 for the film, expressed his enthusiasm to Screen Rant, hinting at a sooner-than-expected release. The film, starring Ryan Gosling, is set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027.

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According 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 Shawn Levy's *Star Wars: Starfighter*, which is scheduled to premiere on May 28, 2027.