Despite the immense popularity of Disney’s “Star Wars” franchise, leading lady Daisy Ridley reveals that her career faced a slowdown after her role in 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” In a candid interview at the SXSW festival in Austin, Ridley shared her experiences and the unexpected challenges she encountered.
A Quieter Path Ahead
Ridley expressed her surprise at the lack of offers that came her way after she wrapped up her journey as the central character in the iconic film trilogy. “There weren’t that many offers coming in,” she admitted. The sudden silence left her feeling both bewildered and uncertain about her future in the industry. It wasn’t until the final film, “The Rise of Skywalker,” that Ridley truly felt comfortable leading the trilogy. “It took, honestly, making the third film till I felt like ‘OK, I’m good. I deserve to be here,'” she confessed.
The Silence During the Pandemic
Just as Ridley was wrapping up her eight-year tenure as Rey, the world was thrown into chaos with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film and TV industry ground to a halt, leaving Hollywood devoid of any significant offers. Ridley found herself navigating this unexpected quiet period, grappling with a mix of emotions. “It was a very strange time to sit with the quiet and, honestly, grieving a time of my life,” she shared.
Embracing New Horizons
Fortunately, the past few years have presented Ridley with exciting opportunities to explore different roles and work with diverse filmmakers and crews. She has been able to branch out and challenge herself creatively, including her upcoming project, “The Marsh King’s Daughter,” set to release in 2023.
A Return to the Galaxy Far, Far Away
In a momentous announcement, Disney and Lucasfilm revealed that Ridley would be reprising her role as Rey in an upcoming “Star Wars” movie. Set after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” the film will follow Rey’s journey as she strives to rebuild the Jedi Order. Breaking new ground, the movie will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, making her the first woman and person of color to helm a “Star Wars” feature film. The script is penned by Steven Knight, known for his work on “Peaky Blinders.”
Looking Ahead
While attending the SXSW festival to promote her new psychological thriller, “Magpie,” Ridley engaged in a one-on-one conversation panel with The Hollywood Reporter’s Mia Galuppo. As her career continues to evolve, Ridley remains grateful for the unforgettable experiences she had playing Rey and eagerly embraces the new opportunities that lie ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ridley’s inspiring journey!
Source Link: F5 Magazine