Daisy Ridley Discusses Making the Sequel Trilogy and Emphasizes Her Willingness to Return
In a recent interview with Brian Davids from Variety, Daisy Ridley, who is currently promoting her film Sometimes I Think About Dying, continues to get asked Star Wars questions. Now that we are three years post The Rise of Skywalker and Lucasfilm appears to be finally honing in on a map for future films, many fans are wondering when we will see characters like Rey next. In this interview, she reflects on the chaos and joy that was making the sequel trilogy, and emphasizes her willingness to come back to the franchise.
Reflecting on the speed at which the sequel trilogy was developed, Davids asked:
You made three massive movies in five years, which is a crazy amount of work. Did you get the chance to properly enjoy the experience? Or was there so much hustle and bustle that you didn’t really get the opportunity to savor it?
On the third film [Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker], I was very present. On the first two, I was like, “Oh my God, they’ve chosen the wrong person. Oh my God, I’m gonna screw it all up. Oh my God, oh my God.” And then by the third one, I had little time to pause. I still had moments of feeling like, “Oh my God, am I terrible?” But I also knew that I worked really hard and that I was in a very safe environment with a lot of people that I already knew. So I felt very comfortable, and I really made an effort to be present every day. And it was my favorite filming experience for that reason because I was really taking in everything, and none of the joy and excitement had gone. So I felt like I could breathe a little easier. I mean, I loved all of them, but it was nice to really be in my body for that last filming experience.
Daisy Ridley has recently been shedding light on the mental adjustments that starring as a central character in Star Wars required for her, whether that’s acknowledging her own doubts, stepping away from social media, or taking moments to soak up all the positive aspects of the unique experience. Moreover, she’s been carefully and diplomatically open in response to questions on how and when she would like to return to Star Wars. Regarding her potential return, Davids asked:
It took 32 years to revisit Han, Luke and Leia, and so much story was missed during that time. So my one hope for Rey is that we reunite with her at least once every decade and track her development over time. Is that more appealing to you than waiting 30 years and playing catch up on all the time missed?
Honestly, I have no idea. I feel like Rey’s story ended in a wonderful way with the last film [Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]. It’s already been an insane three years since that film came out. I feel like quite a different person. We’ve all gone through a massive change in the last three years, with lots of crazy things happening. So I really don’t know if there are plans. I just don’t know. But ultimately, I loved my experience, I loved what I got to do and I love the people I got to work with. So, should that happen again, even once, amazing. Because the dream is to really be around nice people that make you feel good and feel heard while you do good work.
Ridley’s response feels both true to form for her character, Rey, as well as the words of a tried and true franchise professional – avoiding the question entirely while keeping all options open in a very positive way. The Disney PR team would be proud.
Jokes aside, it’s clear that many fans are both curious about her return and excited for the possibility. As Ridley continues to explore the world of indie filmmaking, I expect we’ll see more and more interviewers ask questions about her Star Wars experience.
Sometimes I Think About Dying recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Check out the full interview here.
When she isn't watching her friends and family's eyes glaze over at the mention of The Clone Wars, she's at the park with her dog, Melvin, or on the couch with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. Physically, she lives in Ohio; spiritually, she lives in Naboo.
