Star Wars is less of a franchise and more of an entity, that people, for the lack of a better word, worship. When George Lucas first wrote the story of Star Wars, probably even he was unaware of what this would go on to become. But it is safe to say that there are fans who keep Star Wars (the original trilogy) on regards higher than most. Just ask Daisy Ridley!
When the sequel trilogy, starring Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, and John Boyega, was announced, fans had a mixed reaction. While they wanted more content, they did not want it at the expense of their original heroes. Most did not think that the brand new roster of debutant actors were capable of continuing the story they loved so dearly.
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J.J. Abrams Had Some Strong Words for Daisy Ridley
Daisy Ridley, before starring in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, was a barmaid in London, who had only done a couple of small roles in TV shows. She had not even thought of herself as a leading lady, let alone in a franchise like Star Wars. But as fate would have it, a call changed it all, and she had the opportunity of a lifetime. But there were things to consider for the people behind the scenes, as well as the actress.
When J.J. Abrams offered Ridley the role of Rey in the sequel trilogy. He had some really strong advice for the young actress. Abrams aptly said,
“Understand the scale. This is not a role in a movie. This is a religion for people. It changes things on a level that is inconceivable.”
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Whether or not she understood the gravity of those words, she sure would have, once the movie was out, and the reviews came pouring in.
Daisy Ridley Ripped Holes in Her Stomach With Anxiety
When she started in her Star Wars journey, Daisy Ridley had no idea what was to come. Initially, everything was exciting, but with time, things started to become tense. Ridley (and her sequel trilogy co-stars) got a lot of fame after the release of the first movie, but also got some negative response from fans, and that started to get to her.
The anxiety got so bad that she had developed holes in her gut wall, the result of all the stress she had accumulated. She told GQ,
“I saw a picture of me at the London premiere and I was so skinny and my skin was terrible. My body was just fucked up. I got tests done and it turned out my body was taking in no nutrients. I was just like a little skeleton and I was just so tired. I was becoming a ghost.”
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With time, though, Ridley has come a long way, and found a balance in her life. She started therapy, which helped with her anxiety, and the actress is not as stressed about things as she was back then. Soon, the actress will be back with her lightsaber for a brand new Star Wars project that is due for a 2026 release. Set to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, it will lead the franchise in “a different direction,” as teased by Daisy Ridley herself.
You can watch the Star Wars sequel trilogy on Disney Plus.
