Daisy Ridley rose to international fame portraying Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, appearing in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Her character, a scavenger from Jakku who discovers her connection to the Force, became a central figure in the saga's conclusion, ultimately embracing her destiny as a Jedi. Ridley is now set to reprise her iconic role as Rey in the upcoming film Star Wars: New Jedi Order, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, which will explore Rey's efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker.
In a recent interview with Parade, Ridley shared insights into her enduring love for the Star Wars franchise while promoting her new zombie thriller We Bury the Dead. When asked about her favorite film from the original trilogy, she highlighted Star Wars: A New Hope, explaining, "because it's all the origins of it all," adding that it represents "[It's] the beautiful setting up of ... the creation of all these wonderful people and the characters and the universe." This sentiment underscores her appreciation for the foundational elements that have captivated generations of viewers.
Ridley's comments reflect her deep connection to the galaxy far, far away, even as she looks forward to returning as Rey. While details about Star Wars: New Jedi Order remain closely guarded, the actress teased that the project is progressing thoughtfully. She emphasized patience, noting that the film "will arrive when it's ready, and it will be worth the wait." This approach aligns with Lucasfilm's careful development of post-sequel trilogy stories, ensuring that Rey's next chapter honors the legacy while charting new territory.
Beyond her own project, Ridley expressed genuine enthusiasm for another upcoming Star Wars feature, Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling. She revealed that she is "really looking forward to seeing" the standalone film, praising its ensemble cast. "I think that will be great," Ridley said. "Such a brilliant group of actors. I saw Kathy [Kathleen Kennedy, Star Wars producer and Lucasfilm President] recently and asked how it was going, and she said it was amazing."
The production, which recently wrapped principal photography, boasts a talented lineup including Amy Adams, Mia Goth, Matt Smith, Aaron Pierre, and Simon Bird. Set in a fresh corner of the timeline, Starfighter promises to deliver an original adventure distinct from established characters and eras.
Ridley's reflections highlight the ongoing vitality of the Star Wars universe under Lucasfilm's stewardship. Her admiration for the origins in A New Hope mirrors the franchise's ability to blend nostalgia with innovation, as seen in upcoming projects that expand the mythology in diverse directions. As Ridley prepares to step back into Rey's boots, her comments convey optimism about the future of the saga, from rebuilding the Jedi to exploring uncharted stories.
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for theatrical release on May 28, 2027.
