Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy confirms directing upcoming 'Star Wars' film

Lucasfilm has announced that Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will direct a new Star Wars film, which is currently in the scripting stage, (Deadline). The film will be the first major big screen release for the entertainment company since 2019’s Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, with the studio having shifted focus to TV projects such as The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Andor in recent years. Obaid-Chinoy, who won Oscars for her documentary shorts Saving Face and A Girl in the River, will be co-writing the film with Damon Lindelof.

Her film will be set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker and will feature Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey as she builds a new Jedi Order. Steven Knight of Peaky Blinders is penning the script. The project marks a number of milestones for the franchise, including Obaid-Chinoy becoming the first woman and the first person of colour to direct a Star Wars movie. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced that three new live-action Star Wars films are on the way, with Obaid-Chinoy, James Mangold and Dave Filoni attached as directors.

While in conversation with Express Tribune exclusively, the talented filmmaker stated, "I have always been attracted to the stories of the underdogs who have triumphed against all odds. The Davids versus Goliaths. The sports team came out of nowhere and defeated the unbeatable champions. Nelson Mandela struggled for freedom, unwavering for decades and triumphed. The world needs more of these stories!"

Obaid-Chinoy further commented, "The blueprints of the stories we see on screen should be rooted in reality. 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. This is why I was attracted to the promise of a new Jedi Order and what the Jedi stand for. I cannot wait to share this with the world.”
 

Taking to Instagram the filmmaker wrote, “It has been quite a day in London. The news is out! I am so very excited to be directing the next Star Wars movie and bringing Daisy Ridley back to the galaxy. I have always been attracted to the hero's journey and the world definitely needs more heroes!"

She added, "The blueprints of the heroes we see on screen are rooted in reality - 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."
 

Stars laud SOC

As the news broke, many Pakistani celebrities took to their respective social media accounts to share their heartiest wishes. "And it begins in a galaxy far far away," wrote Mehwish Hayat. "Many congratulations, Sharmeen. You continue to make the whole country proud of you with your amazing accomplishments. Wishing you all the very best, I cannot wait to see the magic you will bring to the Star Wars franchise. May the force be with you." Mahira Khan also commented on the filmmaker's post, stating, "Insane! So so so cool! MashAllah! Congratulations."

Mahira Khan also took to her Insta story to congratulate Obaid-Chinoy. "Represent!" wrote the Superstar actor. "So so proud. Keep making us proud! MashAllah!"

Wajahat Rauf and Adnan Malik also commented on the director's Instagram post. "Congratulations," wrote Rauf. "What a journey you’re about to embark upon! So excited for you! And us," penned Malik.