Reprising her role as the Jedi hero Rey in the “Star Wars” franchise, actor Daisy Ridley has expressed feelings of excitement and nerves as she returns for a new film. The Walt Disney Co, which acquired Star Wars producer Lucasfilm in 2012 and released three movies starring Ridley from 2015 to 2019, along with different TV series, announced new plans for the franchise last year. The upcoming film starring Ridley is said to focus on rebuilding the New Jedi Order. Ridley shared her excitement for the new adventure while attending the London premiere of another Disney film, “Young Woman and the Sea”. She mentioned feeling familiar with the world of “Star Wars” but also sees it as a new start.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ridley revealed that she has not yet read the script for the new “Star Wars” film. However, she expressed anticipation for when she would do so in the near future. In “Young Woman and the Sea”, Ridley portrays American swimmer Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, an Olympic gold medalist who famously became the first woman to swim the English Channel. Ederle accomplished this feat in 1926, setting off from northern France and completing the crossing in 14 hours, 31 minutes, beating the men’s world record by nearly two hours. Despite her remarkable achievement, Ederle’s name and accomplishments are not as widely recognized as those of other sports figures, and she passed away in 2003.
Ridley expressed her admiration for portraying a character like Ederle, who possessed determination, resilience, and a genuine joy for her pursuits. She mentioned undergoing a challenging swimming training regimen for the role, highlighting the physical demands of preparing to portray the Olympic swimmer. Ridley’s portrayal of Ederle in “Young Woman and the Sea” showcases her versatility as an actor and her dedication to embodying complex and inspiring characters. The film sheds light on a lesser-known yet significant figure in sports history, allowing Ridley to delve into the intricacies of Ederle’s life and accomplishments.
As Ridley prepares to step back into the iconic role of Rey in the upcoming “Star Wars” film, she approaches the project with a blend of excitement and nerves. The prospect of exploring the character’s journey within the framework of rebuilding the New Jedi Order adds a new layer of complexity to her portrayal. Ridley’s commitment to embodying strong, determined characters like Rey and Ederle underscores her versatility and dedication as an actor. With a mix of anticipation and eagerness, Ridley looks forward to delving into the script for the new “Star Wars” installment and bringing Rey’s story to life once again on the big screen.
