Daisy Ridley Thinks Playing Rey Will Be Easier After Her Experience With the Sequel Trilogy

The Star Wars universe is among the largest fictional realms ever created. Since its inception, George Lucas’s original film idea has expanded into a vast universe filled with thousands, if not millions, of stories.

Beyond the major films, series like The Acolyte and The Mandalorian have generated significant interest. While not every installment has achieved the same level of popularity, the franchise remains a vital element of modern pop culture.

Recently, following the conclusion of The Acolyte, Disney and Lucasfilm announced plans to release three new Star Wars films between 2026 and 2027. One of these films is expected to be a standalone feature focused on Daisy Ridley’s character, Rey, from the Sequel Trilogy.

Although progress on the film appeared promising, recent reports suggest that production has encountered delays, as Disney and Lucasfilm may be shifting their focus to other projects. In the meantime, Daisy Ridley shared her thoughts on returning to the role in a recent interview, expressing her feelings about reprising her character.

We were informed that the film is intended to be a sequel to Episode IX of the Sequel Trilogy, focusing primarily on Rey as she establishes a new Jedi Order. It was also referred to by the working title New Jedi Order. The film is expected to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, based on a script by Steven Knight, with Ridley reprising her role as Rey.

Although the movie was meant to be in pre-production and had no set release date, recent reports indicate that the studios are delaying the project, which means it could be a while before Rey returns to the big screen. Amid these speculations, Daisy Ridley spoke with Premiere and shared her thoughts on stepping back into the role of Rey:

You never wondered yourself what happened to Rey, what might have become of her after The Rise of Skywalker?

I didn’t care until I was asked. I felt that the story had concluded very nicely. So Rey’s return had to be worth it, and I think it is. I’m also in a very different position: I was 21 when I did the first one, now I’m 32, and I have a lot more experience on set. It’s really exciting to imagine how my current life will affect the character.

Do you think it will be easier than back then to handle the attention a role like this generates?

What was overwhelming for me was that on the day of Star Wars 7’s premiere, people didn’t think Rey would be an important character. I remember my mother said to me: ‘They must have thought you were good, because they spent a lot of money on this movie.

A lot!’ (Laughs.) It’s very strange to go from posing for photos on the red carpet, watching the movie, and then simply going to the bathroom and running into people saying: ‘Oh my God, it’s you!’

Suddenly, I was recognized in public, outside of my work. It’s not necessarily easy to process. And I had never traveled before. Suddenly, I was all over the world, having unusual interactions with people.

For example, I didn’t know what a press junket was [a succession of interviews lasting hours, usually held in a hotel]. I was discovering everything! And then time passes, and things calm down. I have more perspective on all of this now, I know how it all works. So it will definitely be easier to manage.

Source: Premiere

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