In a galaxy not so far away, Daisy Ridley is gearing up to don her Jedi robes once more as Rey Skywalker in the Star Wars universe. Ridley is officially set to return in an upcoming sequel to 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. This sequel, set a decade after the defeat of Darth Sidious, is poised to propel Rey’s storyline into new adventures, yet the cast and finer details remain as mysterious as the dark side of the Force itself.
Ridley’s return to the Star Wars saga has taken both the actress and fans by surprise, especially considering the polarized reception of the trilogy that concluded with The Rise of Skywalker. Speaking to Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Ridley expressed her initial thoughts on coming back to the iconic role: “I thought, yeah maybe like in a little while… I don’t know, pop in, say hi, pop out again.” It’s clear that the timing of her return has been an unexpected journey back to the galaxy far, far away for Ridley.
The Surprise Star Wars Return
Credit: Disney
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Ridley’s Initial Shock
Ridley’s candid chat with Horowitz revealed her astonishment at being asked to reprise her role so soon. The actress hadn’t anticipated stepping back into Rey’s shoes, especially amidst rumours that Helen Mirren was being eyed to portray an older Rey Skywalker in a future project. Ridley’s reaction to the rumour and the possibility of Mirren taking over was nothing short of delightful: “Hellen Mirren!? Go on Helen! Queen, YES!”
The Decision to Return
The decision wasn’t made lightly by Ridley, who needed “a day of thinking” and discussions with her family before agreeing to return. Her meeting with Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, was the pivotal moment. “I went to breakfast with [Kennedy] and honestly I was like ‘Yeah, I think it’s just breakfast’ and then she came right out and said it,” Ridley recounted, highlighting the gravity and suddenness of the proposal.
Rey Skywalker’s Legacy
Credit: Disney
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Navigating the Fandom
Despite the divisive opinions surrounding Ridley’s trilogy, the actress remains positive about her involvement, focusing on the “good” rather than the negative. Her return signifies not just a continuation of Rey’s journey but also a commitment to a story Ridley believes is “worth telling.” It’s a testament to her dedication to the role and the Star Wars legacy.
Here’s what she had to say on the matter in full:
I feel like people are receptive and interested, and honestly if it wasn’t a story worth telling then I wouldn’t be doing it – it’s a fun direction.
The Mystery of the Sequel
As of now, Ridley is in the dark as much as the fans regarding the specifics of the sequel, including whether any familiar faces from her trilogy will join her. This shroud of mystery adds to the anticipation and speculation among the Star Wars community, eager to learn more about Star Wars: New Jedi Order, expected to release in 2026.
Final Thoughts on Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey Skywalker
Credit: Disney
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Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey Skywalker is a beacon of excitement for Star Wars enthusiasts worldwide. It marks a continuation of a saga that has captivated audiences for decades, offering a fresh chapter in the expansive narrative. Ridley’s journey back to the role, filled with surprise and contemplation, mirrors the unpredictable and thrilling path Star Wars has carved in the cinematic universe.
As we look forward to Star Wars: New Jedi Order, Ridley’s reflections offer a glimpse into the ongoing saga’s evolution and the enduring legacy of Rey Skywalker. The force is strong with this one, and fans can hardly wait to see where Ridley’s next adventure in the Star Wars universe will take them.
What do you make of this news? Are you looking forward to watching Daisy Ridley return as Rey Skywalker in the Star Wars saga? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Star Wars: New Jedi Order is expected to be released in 2026.
