Steven Knight is said to be writing the upcoming Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy-directed Rey Skywalker Star Wars movie, which will feature the return of Daisy Ridley. Thanks to a recent report, more information on the film’s casting and production timeline has come out.

During the latest episode of The Hot Mic Podcast, Above the Line’s Jeff Sneider revealed that an actor who was previously attached to the film due to their connection with Damon Lindelof (who was previously writing the film) is no longer set to appear in the movie.

“Whoever that actor was … that person is no longer attached to that project,” said Sneider. “And mainly because of the story changes. Because they threw out Lindelof’s script and brought in Steven Knight, so obviously there were story changes. And so that actor, whoever that was, is no longer attached.”

Sneider went on to discuss the potential start date for production on the Rey Skywalker Star Wars movie, saying that he’s long believed that the project is what Lucasfilm plans to release in December 2025. The insider mentioned that he believes pre-production on the film is set to start in August, with casting also set to begin then.

“They may be making lists right now at Lucasfilm, as far as who they want in that movie, but I don’t think they’ve gone out to any talent,” Sneider said. “I don’t think they necessarily will until after the summer. So I would expect answers before Labor Day.”

The Obaid-Chinoy-directed Star Wars movie is reportedly expected to be one of the first Star Wars movies to come out since the 2019 installment Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which was directed by J.J. Abrams. Not too much is currently known about the project, though Lindelof’s earlier departure was one of a number of behind-the-scenes changes to the franchise’s future.

Knight has written quite a few movies in addition to his TV work, including 2018’s The Girl in the Spider’s Web and 2021’s Spencer, and is even the co-creator of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? alongside David Briggs and Mike Whitehill.