A fresh glimpse into the Star Wars universe beyond The Rise of Skywalker arrives, not through Shawn Levy’s lens yet, but via a new young adult novel, Star Wars: The Last Order. While anticipation builds for Levy’s upcoming film, Star Wars: Starfighter, this book offers fans an earlier exploration of the galaxy following the 2019 movie.

Published by Penguin Random House, the novel spotlights Finn, played by John Boyega, and Jannah, portrayed by Naomi Ackie, characters cherished from Rise of Skywalker. The official synopsis from the publisher, penned by Kwame Mbalia, states:

“After Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the Resistance saves a ship carrying young captives abducted by the First Order. As Finn and Jannah hunt for the First Order officer behind the kidnappings to protect other children, the former stormtroopers confront their complex histories within the oppressive regime.”

This novel pioneers as the first Star Wars project to venture beyond Rise of Skywalker’s events, though it wasn’t the first planned. Levy’s post-Rise project remains in development.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy discussed the project with Deadline in February, noting, “It’s set after the first nine films. Shawn’s story is a standalone, occurring roughly five or six years later.” Jonathan Tropper, the film’s writer, recently shared his excitement with Screen Rant, saying, “I hope it arrives sooner than expected.” At Star Wars Celebration Japan, the film’s release date was set for May 28, 2027, with Ryan Gosling confirmed to star.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

Per Penguin Random House, Star Wars: The Last Order hits shelves on October 21, 2025, while Levy’s film awaits its May 28, 2027 release.