"New Star Wars Novel Explores Post-Skywalker Universe"

We're finally delving into the Star Wars universe beyond The Rise of Skywalker—and it's not coming from Shawn Levy... yet. While fans eagerly await Levy's upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter, a new young adult novel titled Star Wars: The Last Order will soon offer a fresh perspective on the aftermath of the 2019 film.

The book, announced on Penguin Random House's website, dives deeper into the stories of John Boyega's beloved hero Finn and Naomi Ackie's resistance ally Jannah, both introduced in Rise of Skywalker. The novel, penned by Kwame Mbalia, offers an intriguing plot according to its official synopsis:

"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 discussed the project in a February interview with Deadline, outlining how the Star Wars timeline will evolve. "It's all post-[the first] nine," she said. "Shawn's is a standalone Star Wars story that'll take place post-nine, maybe five or six years out." Last month, the film's writer, Jonathan Tropper, reaffirmed his excitement to Screen Rant, saying, "I hope it's on the way sooner than you think." Shortly afterward, the release date for the film was revealed 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 will hit shelves on October 21, 2025. Meanwhile, fans will have to wait a bit longer for Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for release on May 28, 2027.