Oscar Isaac has expressed openness to reprising his role as Poe Dameron in the Star Wars universe, provided the story is compelling enough. Isaac’s remarks come amid ongoing expansions within the Star Wars franchise, highlighting his willingness to revisit a character who remains popular despite limited screen time in the sequel trilogy.
Poe Dameron, portrayed by Isaac, is known as a skilled Resistance pilot with a complex background and a strong connection to General Leia Organa. However, after his rebellious mutiny in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, his role diminished in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, where the narrative focus shifted predominantly to Rey, Kylo Ren, and Emperor Palpatine’s return.
Oscar Isaac’s Changing Perspective on Returning as Poe Dameron
While Oscar Isaac initially distanced himself from future Star Wars projects, expressing a desire to move on from what he called “green screen spaceland,” his viewpoint has evolved. In a recent Variety interview, he playfully acknowledged his Star Wars identity and hinted at a potential return if the project offered something meaningful.
“When asked if he’d return as Poe Dameron, he borrows a line from The Simpsons in a high-pitched child’s voice: ‘I’m a Star Wars.’ Then he says, ‘Yeah, I’d be a Star Wars again if there was something good to do with that.'” —Oscar Isaac, actor
This shift aligns with previous statements Isaac made in 2022 during a SiriusXM interview, where he indicated openness to return if presented with a great story and the right creative team, including Lucasfilm president Kathy Kennedy.
If there was a great story and a great director and [Lucasfilm president] Kathy [Kennedy] came to me and was like, ‘I have this great idea,’ then I’m so open to it. —Oscar Isaac, actor
Potential Directions for Poe Dameron in Upcoming Star Wars Projects
Though the original sequel trilogy has concluded, its elements continue to influence new Star Wars films. Currently, Lucasfilm is developing two movies set after The Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars: Starfighter and Star Wars: New Jedi Order. Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling and set five years post-Rise of Skywalker, is expected to explore the lives of pilots in the galaxy, an area central to Poe Dameron’s character.
Meanwhile, Star Wars: New Jedi Order is set fifteen years after The Rise of Skywalker and will mark Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey. Both projects venture into unexplored narrative territory, which could provide the “good” or “great” story Oscar Isaac seeks for a possible Poe Dameron comeback. Given the secrecy around plot details, Poe’s appearance remains a distinct possibility.
Why Starfighter Might Be the Best Fit for Poe Dameron’s Return
Poe Dameron‘s established friendship with Rey makes a cameo in New Jedi Order plausible, but the Starfighter film appears to offer a more fitting platform for a substantial comeback. Directed by Shawn Levy, this standalone movie is expected to center on the galaxy’s pilots more than any other Star Wars installment to date, aligning closely with Poe’s expertise and legacy.
Although Starfighter will primarily introduce new characters, including Gosling’s lead role, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has hinted at the involvement of sequel trilogy characters. Poe Dameron, having achieved notable feats by the conclusion of the sequel trilogy, is well positioned to mentor or lead a new generation of Star Wars pilots.
