"New Star Wars Novel Delves Into Post-Rise of Skywalker Universe"

We're finally getting a glimpse into the world beyond The Rise of Skywalker—and it's not from Shawn Levy. At least, not yet. While anticipation builds for Levy's upcoming Star Wars film, Star Wars: Starfighter, fans can soon delve into the aftermath of the 2019 film through a new young adult novel titled Star Wars: The Last Order.

The novel, announced via publisher Penguin Random House's website, will further explore the stories of John Boyega's beloved hero Finn and Naomi Ackie's resistance ally Jannah, both introduced in The Rise of Skywalker. Authored by Kwame Mbalia, the official synopsis from the publisher reveals:

"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."

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy shed light on the project during a February interview with Deadline, discussing the shift in the Star Wars 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 for the project, expressed his enthusiasm to Screen Rant, saying, "I hope it's on the way sooner than you think." Shortly after, the release date for the film was unveiled 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 set to release on October 21, 2025. Meanwhile, fans will have to wait a bit longer for Levy's film, slated for release on May 28, 2027.