Daisy Ridley had no idea how much of an impact her character would have on fans all over the world when she first took on the role of Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. After starring as Rey in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the 31-year-old English actress went on to star in two more movies, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
However, did you know that Ridley will soon be seen starring as ‘Rey’ in another movie directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy? In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actress herself revealed it while admitting that reprising the role again made her feel a bit “petrified” about the reaction from fans.
Moreover, she added that the fans “will be excited” when more details are made public and that it is “worth exploring” to go on with Rey’s journey.
Daisy Ridley Discusses Her New ‘Exciting’ Journey With Rey
After Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker came out, Daisy Ridley‘s involvement with the franchise seemed to taper off, but it turned out that her absence was only temporary. Lucasfilm revealed in April 2023 that Ridley will star in a new Star Wars film helmed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (via Dexerto).
While promoting her latest film, The Marsh King’s Daughter, the actress recently spoke at length with The Hollywood Reporter about her next project (reportedly titled Star Wars: A New Beginning). She talked about how “petrified” she was when Star Wars: The Force Awakens was announced, but seeing the reaction from fans made her feel “overwhelmed”.
“Things then happened quite quickly, and it felt like I was instantaneously on a stage being introduced by [director] Sharmeen [Obaid-Chinoy]. It honestly took me back to being 20 or 21, however old I was, when [Star Wars: The Force Awakens] was announced. I was petrified, I was overwhelmed, I was really nervous but the response was really wonderful.”
However, she proudly stated that the next stage of Rey’s journey is “worth exploring” and that fans “will be excited” when more details are revealed. She went on to say that although she has not yet read a full screenplay, Obaid-Chinoy’s plot summary sufficiently impressed her:
“I’m genuinely really excited about the next one. I haven’t read anything, but I know the story. It’s really worth telling, worth exploring, and I think people will be excited.”
Later, in a different interview with Collider, Ridley talked about the potential for the new film’s story to continue into a trilogy. She explained:
“I know the storyline for one film. That’s not to say that that’s all it is, but that’s what I was told about. And I imagine it will be the next film, I think. I mean, again, I don’t know, post strikes and everything, how quickly everything will start up again.”
The Marsh King’s Daughter also stars Ben Mendelsohn, Garrett Hedlund, Caren Pistorius, Brooklynn Prince, and Gil Birmingham.
Read more: The Marsh King’s Daughter Review: Daisy Ridley Highlights Conventional but Effective Crime Drama
Daisy Ridley Talks About Her Personal Bond with Rey
Daisy Ridley’s role as Rey in the Star Wars sequels holds a special place in her heart. She disclosed that this quest for acceptance was taking place both in front of and behind the camera (via Digital Spy). As a result of the franchise’s strong emphasis on family, the actress claimed that the Star Wars cast and crew eventually grew to be like a second family:
“Family is what Star Wars is all about. The family thing translated everywhere. Even on set, it felt like a family. It’s that feeling of bonding, everywhere. Rey is trying to find her place in this world in the same way I was trying to find my place in the world. The similarities were really nice. Because I felt so welcomed, and taken in, and people seemed to care how I felt, that translated into Rey..”
Moreover, Ridley portrayed the lead role in the romantic drama Ophelia, made an appearance in the mystery film Murder on the Orient Express, and occasionally provided voice acting for video games like Twelve Minutes and the live-action/animated film Peter Rabbit.
Her next project is the biographical drama film, Young Woman and the Sea, which is being directed by Joachim Rønning.
The Star Wars sequel trilogy is streaming on Disney Plus.
