Daisy Ridley talks Rey in ‘Force Awakens’ ‘Star Wars 8’ script and Felicity Jones
Audiences made Star Wars: The Force Awakens the biggest film opening of all-time, exciting about the reunion of Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) after thirty years. That said, the star of the film is Daisy Ridley’s Rey, a female parallel to Luke, and the actress spoke about her character and what lies ahead, beginning with the audition process.
“I think that was something driving me through the auditions — even though it felt so insanely out of anything that I could’ve imagined, there was something inside of me that was telling me that I could do it, even though I was riddled with doubts and insecurities,” she tells Variety, talking about how she relates personally to Rey.
“So probably that. She’s much more hopeful than I am, and much braver than I am. For a woman who had been alone for such a long time to be so open to what’s going on, and letting journeys happen, and letting relationships happen, I think is really incredible.”
John Boyea and Daisy Ridley
Ridley talks about director J.J. Abrams’ approach, the collaborative effort and advice from Simon Pegg.
“I was emailing Simon Pegg and he said, “Here’s where the fun begins” — as Han Solo said — and that’s nice because I guess I’ve been told by millions of people that my life’s going to change and am I ready? And it gets to the point of “okay, all right.” So remembering to enjoy it and to be in the moment so it’s not passing me by, so I can really remember how it felt at that time … because when I first got cast, I was in another plane — I was certainly not having an in-body experience for months, so when I finally felt like I came back to myself, I tried to hold on to that.”
There is ton to talk about before looking ahead to Star Wars 8, but Ridley does just that, confirming she’s read the upcoming script.
“I have. It’s very good; very good. Let’s see VII first and then we’ll talk about VIII. [Laughs.]”
A fellow Star Wars actress, Felicity Jones is on Ridley’s role model list and she recounts meeting her: “…I love Carey Mulligan. I love Felicity Jones. It was funny because I went to go see the Rogue One set and I was like, ‘Oh my god, I love you.’ And she’s so tiny, and elegant, and she’s just so small. Everyone’s so much smaller than they seem. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh my god. You’re kind of tall.’ Who else? Oh, and then obviously people like Celia Imrie, the English greats.”
How has Daisy Ridley been changed by Star Wars?
“I definitely feel like my voice has more weight now. It’s funny, because when I was doing voice coaching before — because I was slightly posher in it than I am day to day — the voice coach said that I do a thing like when I’m talking and I used to lose my voice at the end of sentences a lot and that’s an emotional thing, because a lot of the time I felt like what I was saying had no weight, and that there was no point in what I was saying, and I don’t do that anymore. So that’s a nice thing. I feel like when people have appreciated you as much as they have, for you as a person, it gives you such a wonderful sense of self. I’m still learning who I am, and still learning and testing my capabilities, but to be surrounded by people who care is great.”
Check out the full interview — click here
