Daisy Ridley’s portrayal of Rey in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019) stands as a milestone in modern cinema, marking the culmination of the Star Wars sequel trilogy that captivated audiences worldwide. This article details Ridley’s rise from relative obscurity to international stardom, her journey as Rey, and her expanding career after the galaxy far, far away.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Daisy Jazz Isobel Ridley on April 10, 1992, in Westminster, London, Daisy Ridley grew up in a creatively inclined family and developed an early interest in the performing arts. Trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, she honed her skills in acting, dance, and music before embarking on her professional journey.
Her initial foray into the entertainment industry was marked by minor roles in prominent British television shows such as Youngers, Casualty, Toast of London, Mr Selfridge, and Silent Witness. In addition to being featured in short films like Blue Season, Lifesaver, and Scrawl, Daisy Ridley’s persistence steadily built her reputation before her breakout role.
Casting as Rey and Star Wars Breakthrough
Daisy Ridley’s career trajectory changed dramatically in April 2014, when she was cast as Rey for Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015). J.J. Abrams’ choice of an unknown British actress mirrored George Lucas’s original casting philosophy. Abrams was especially moved by Ridley’s emotional authenticity, recalling that she “nailed it on the first take”.
Becoming Rey positioned Ridley at the center of one of cinema’s most storied franchises. Her performance received praise for bringing depth, warmth, and a fresh perspective to the burgeoning Jedi. Subsequent entries, The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) – saw Ridley’s Rey evolve from scavenger to Jedi Master, embodying themes of hope, resilience, and belonging.
The Iconic Role in The Rise of Skywalker
The Rise of Skywalker (2019) marked Ridley’s third and (for now) final cinematic appearance as Rey. The film wrapped up the Skywalker Saga by placing Rey at the heart of the battle between light and dark, revealing her complex heritage and her ultimate decision to claim the Skywalker name in honor of her mentors.
Daisy Ridley’s portrayal in the film demanded a rigorous emotional and physical commitment, delivering on stunts, swordplay, and deeply nuanced scenes. She has spoken in multiple interviews about the emotional weight of the final scenes and her sense of fulfillment in concluding Rey’s journey. Upon release, Ridley expressed gratitude for the experience, noting she “didn’t think anything could top [The Rise of Skywalker] for this character”.
Beyond Star Wars: Expanding Horizons
While Rey has made Daisy Ridley a household name, her career extends well beyond a single franchise. She has taken on diverse roles in films such as:
- Mary Debenham in Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
- The title role in Ophelia (2018), a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet
- Voice work in Peter Rabbit (2018) and the acclaimed video game Twelve Minutes (2021)
Recent years have seen Daisy Ridley in independent and challenging projects like the sci-fi film Chaos Walking (2021), the drama Sometimes I Think About Dying (2023), and the psychological thriller The Marsh King’s Daughter (2023). Her critically acclaimed portrayal of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel, in Young Woman and the Sea (2024) further showcased her versatility, with the film earning an 88% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Current Projects and Future Directions
Ridley continues to demonstrate her creative breadth by taking on new and ambitious projects. She is set to star alongside Alden Ehrenreich in The Last Resort, a romantic comedy set in the Philippines, with production beginning in 2025. Ridley also helped develop the noir thriller Magpie, based on her original story idea, and has signed onto the sci-fi mystery thriller Mind Fall.
Most notably for Star Wars fans, Daisy Ridley’s journey with Rey appears not to be over. In 2023, it was announced she would return as Rey in a new Star Wars film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. However, as of mid-2025, the “New Jedi Order” project featuring Ridley’s Rey is on hold, though Lucasfilm emphasizes her irreplaceable value to the franchise. Ridley has indicated excitement to reprise the role at an older age and bring fresh perspective to her iconic character.
Public Image and Lasting Impact
Ridley’s work as Rey has inspired a new generation of fans and has contributed meaningfully to discussions about heroism, identity, and female empowerment in blockbuster cinema. Offscreen, Ridley is known for her candor, humor, and thoughtful engagement with fans and the press. As both performer and public figure, she remains highly influential in contemporary pop culture.
