Oscar Isaac has put months of speculation to rest regarding the fate of Poe Dameron in the upcoming Star Wars project centered on Rey, played by Daisy Ridley. When asked directly following a recent Andor Season 2 screening in New York if he would reprise his role for the highly anticipated movie, Isaac responded simply but firmly, “No,” accompanied by a smile. This clear answer, captured on video and shared widely by fans, ends growing rumors about Poe’s possible appearance in Rey’s return to the galaxy far, far away.
The Star Wars film in question, first revealed during Star Wars Celebration 2023, is expected to bring Ridley back as Rey, marking her first appearance since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the project, rumored to be titled New Jedi Order, is said to take place fifteen years after the events of Episode 9. Despite initial excitement over Ridley’s live return to the stage and mounting anticipation, recent franchise updates at the 2025 Star Wars Celebration did not mention Rey’s film, leading to uncertainty over its status.
Oscar Isaac’s candid response comes as disappointment to devoted fans of Poe Dameron, who became a defining figure in the Sequel Trilogy beginning with 2015’s The Force Awakens. Isaac’s portrayal of the daring Resistance pilot, known for his loyalty, quick thinking, and chemistry with characters like Finn, captured audiences worldwide. Poe’s journey stretched across all three installment, his arc gaining depth through evolving leadership and emotional closure, particularly in The Rise of Skywalker. Still, questions lingered about whether Isaac would return to the franchise, especially after his remarks in a 2022 interview that he might “consider” coming back if the circumstances felt right.
However, at the recent event, Isaac’s answer appears definite, and his demeanor indicated no frustration or regret. Since bidding farewell to Poe Dameron, the actor has ventured into new territories, including a starring role in Marvel’s Moon Knight under Disney’s umbrella. Despite initial enthusiasm, that series received a mixed reception, and the uncertainty surrounding Isaac’s continued involvement in sprawling franchise universes like Star Wars and Marvel grows ever more pronounced.
Complicating matters further for fans hoping to see both Oscar Isaac and Poe Dameron again, production details about Rey’s next film remain scarce. While the addition of writer George Nolfi, of The Bourne Ultimatum fame, hints that Lucasfilm still sees the project as important, there is no official timeline for when cameras might roll or which characters might return. Meanwhile, other parts of the Star Wars franchise, including new stories for The Mandalorian and Grogu, and even updates about Ryan Gosling’s rumored Star Wars: Starfighter, have moved forward, overshadowing news about Rey’s upcoming film.
The impact of Oscar Isaac’s decision resonates throughout both the fan community and within the broader narrative tapestry of Star Wars. His refusal to return as Poe Dameron closes the chapter on a character whose story appeared naturally resolved in The Rise of Skywalker, where Poe assumed a leadership position and gained closure, particularly regarding Keri Russell’s Zorii Bliss. Some observers, as well as a segment of the fan base, suggest that resurrecting Poe Dameron solely for nostalgic purposes risks diminishing the resonance of his journey.
For Oscar Isaac himself, not returning to Star Wars may signal a shift away from franchise commitments, prioritizing roles that offer new creative challenges over repeating beloved performances. As Lucasfilm continues to shape the next phase of the Star Wars legacy, both uncertainty and excitement linger over who will appear beside Daisy Ridley’s Rey in New Jedi Order. For now, fans must accept that Poe Dameron’s days of Resistance heroics have come to a close, leaving lasting memories and an unmistakable mark on the saga.
