As the Star Wars saga continues to evolve, Daisy Ridley opens up about the idiosyncrasies of playing an older Rey Skywalker in the upcoming New Jedi Order project.
In a conversation with Total Film, Ridley reflects on how she will tackle the role differently compared to when she made her debut in Star Wars: The Force Awakens at just 22. “Sometimes I stop and think, ‘Can I even perform Rey in the same way?’ It’s really weird,” confessed Ridley.
“The dynamics are bound to change with a new team. I’ve changed too. I was the youngest on set back then, and now, likely one of the adults. I’m curious if it will be this blending of some familiar faces from the original crew—I hope so—and a fresh experience. This duality would make it both natural and exciting—a new chapter,” she shared.
The upcoming production, announced at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023, features Ridley’s Rey as a Jedi Master, a timeframe set 15 years subsequent to The Rise of Skywalker. The production will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, well-known for Ms. Marvel, with the script penned by Steven Knight, following contributions from Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson.
The Expanding Universe of Star Wars Cinematics
Apart from New Jedi Order, other cinematic adventures await Star Wars enthusiasts. Audiences will witness The Mandalorian’s transition from streaming on Disney+ to the silver screen with a feature film directed by Jon Favreau expected for a May 22, 2026 release. Additionally, James Mangold is crafting Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, which delves into the origin story of the Force.
A release date for Star Wars: New Jedi Order is yet to be announced.
FAQs About Daisy Ridley’s Return as Rey and Star Wars’ New Projects
- What film will Daisy Ridley be reprising her role as Rey?
Ridley will return as Rey Skywalker in the upcoming film New Jedi Order, which is set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker.
- What does Ridley find strange about returning to the role of Rey?
Ridley finds it odd stepping back into Rey’s shoes after such a long time and under a new dynamic, being one of the more mature members of the cast now compared to being the youngest at the start of the franchise.
- What other Star Wars projects are coming to the big screen?
Besides the New Jedi Order, fans can look forward to a cinema version of The Mandalorian featuring Grogu, and another project titled Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi by James Mangold.
- Has New Jedi Order been given an official release date?
No, an official release date for Star Wars: New Jedi Order has not been set yet.
Conclusion
Daisy Ridley’s sense of unfamiliarity with reprising her role as an older Rey Skywalker reflects the ever-evolving nature of the Star Wars saga and its characters. Even as Ridley feels the passage of time and the change it brings to her experience portraying Rey, her insights point towards a balance of continuity and innovation for the New Jedi Order. As the title suggests, this next chapter may indeed usher in a new order not only for her character but for the legacy of Star Wars itself. Eager fans will have to wait for more updates as they anticipate the new journeys ahead on the big screen.