Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is a two-time Oscar winner and the first female director of a Star Wars film.
Having an iconic franchise in her hands thrills the filmmaker as she says it was “about time” a woman took the reigns of a project in the Star Wars universe.
“I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special,” Obaid-Chinoy told CNN. “We’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away.”
George Lucas created Star Wars, with the first film released in 1977. Following Lucas, only male directors have helmed the franchise, like Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand and J.J. Abrams. Standalone movies in the same universe have also been directed by men like Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Ron Howard’s Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Obaid-Chinoy is set to direct a new film centered around the character of Rey, with Daisy Ridley reprising her role. The movie will be set after the events of Star Wars — Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker as Rey builds a new Jedi Order.
In April 2023, when Obaid-Chinoy was announced as the director of the new Star Wars film, she posted a message on social media sharing her excitement about the project.
“I have always been attracted to the heroes journey and the world definitely needs more heroes! – the blueprints of the heroes we see on screen are rooted in reality,” she posted on Instagram. “I’ve spent my life meeting real life heroes, who have overcome the most oppressive empires and battled impossible odds and that to me is the heart of Star Wars…which is why I was attracted to the promise of a new Jedi Order …And why I’m particularly excited about being immersed inside a Jedi Academy with a powerful Jedi Master.”
The Star Wars film directed by Obaid-Chinoy is set to be released in 2026.