"New Star Wars Novel Dives Into Post-Skywalker Era"

We're finally getting a glimpse into the world beyond The Rise of Skywalker, but not from Shawn Levy just yet. While fans eagerly await the Deadpool and Wolverine director's upcoming Star Wars film, Star Wars: Starfighter, they can dive into the Star Wars universe post-Rise of Skywalker sooner through a new young adult novel titled Star Wars: The Last Order.

The novel, announced via publisher Penguin Random House's website, promises to delve 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 official synopsis from Penguin Random House, penned by author Kwame Mbalia, reads:

"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 timeline of this new entry, stating, "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." Last month, Jonathan Tropper, the writer attached to the project, expressed his enthusiasm to Screen Rant, saying, "I hope it's on the way sooner than you think." Days later, the release date for the film was announced—with Ryan Gosling confirmed to star—at Star Wars Celebration Japan.

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, slated for release on May 28, 2027.