Lucasfilm has unveiled an upcoming Star Wars project that delves into the mentor-student relationship between Leia Organa and Rey, set in the timeline between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. This new story, titled Star Wars: Legacy, promises to explore Leia’s role as Rey’s guide in the ways of the Force, filling in critical gaps in their dynamic that were only briefly touched upon in the sequel trilogy. Scheduled for release on July 28, 2026, the project was announced at the Lucasfilm Publishing panel at this year’s New York Comic Con.
In the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Rey’s journey is shaped by the mentorship of the original trilogy’s iconic heroes. In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Han Solo introduces her to a broader galaxy, while Star Wars: The Last Jedi sees Luke Skywalker training her in the ways of the Jedi. By Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Leia Organa steps into the role of Rey’s teacher, a dynamic limited by the tragic passing of actress Carrie Fisher before the film’s production. Star Wars: Legacy aims to expand on this relationship, offering a deeper look at Leia’s efforts to guide Rey during a pivotal moment in the Resistance’s struggle against the First Order.
The story picks up shortly after the events of The Last Jedi, following the Resistance’s harrowing escape from the First Order on Crait. Rey, grappling with her role as the last Jedi, and Leia, stepping into an unfamiliar role as a Jedi mentor, embark on a mission to repair the broken Skywalker family lightsaber. The narrative will also explore their complex emotions regarding Kylo Ren, who has fully embraced the dark side. The official synopsis, provided by Lucasfilm, reads:
After barely escaping the First Order on Crait, Rey and the Resistance are struggling to rebuild. Her friends need the last Jedi more than ever, but Rey feels alone and overwhelmed. Jedi tradition is built on masters and apprentices, and Rey’s teacher is gone. Leia Organa tries her best to train Rey in the ways of the Force as Luke did for her so many years ago, but Leia’s knowledge is limited, Rey’s lightsaber is broken, and the specter of Kylo Ren and regrets from the past haunt them both. How can Leia pass the torch when she herself is unsure of the way?
Written by author Madeleine Roux, Star Wars: Legacy will delve into the inner lives of Rey, Leia, and Kylo Ren, examining their emotional struggles and the weight of their choices. The story centers on their journey to the planet Tython, a location steeped in Jedi lore, where they face arcane trials and encounter refugees fleeing the First Order’s pursuit. The narrative promises to deepen the understanding of Leia’s limited Jedi training, as revealed in The Rise of Skywalker, and her challenges in guiding Rey without the mastery of a traditional Jedi.
Star Wars: Legacy's Connection to The Mandalorian
Star Wars: Legacy ties directly to the broader Star Wars universe through its setting on Tython, a planet previously featured in The Mandalorian Season 2. In the series, Din Djarin and Grogu visit Tython’s Jedi temple, where Grogu meditates on a seeing stone to reach out to any remaining Jedi, ultimately drawing the attention of Luke Skywalker. In Legacy, Tython serves as the backdrop for Rey and Leia’s mission, with the temple described as one “that might hold the key to repairing Rey’s saber.” Their exploration of the temple involves uncovering its ancient secrets through challenging trials, further emphasizing Tython’s significance as a nexus of the Force. The presence of the First Order on Tython raises questions about whether Kylo Ren himself may be drawn to the planet, seeking its power to secure victory for his regime.
This new release enhances the Star Wars canon by fleshing out Leia’s evolution as a mentor. Unlike her brother Luke, a fully trained Jedi Master, Leia’s Force training was incomplete, making her role as Rey’s guide uniquely challenging. The story will showcase her resilience and leadership as she navigates these uncertainties, while also strengthening the bond between her and Rey. By focusing on their time together, Star Wars: Legacy addresses the limited screen time their relationship received in The Rise of Skywalker, where archived footage of Carrie Fisher was used to craft Leia’s role.
Star Wars: Legacy is poised to be a significant addition to the Star Wars saga, offering fans a richer understanding of Rey and Leia’s connection and the enduring legacy of the Force. The project draws on Tython’s established importance in The Mandalorian to ground its narrative in the broader universe, while exploring new dimensions of familiar characters.
Source: Lucasfilm Publishing panel at New York Comic Con / StarWars.com
