Daisy Ridley returns as Rey in Rian Johnson‘s almost-here Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but fans should make sure to savour every moment of the fiery warrior as Ridley has said that, after the concluding chapter in the series, she’s probably done with the character and franchise.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ridley all but confirmed that she will not look to continue the character after her third appearance, set to be in Episode IX.
“For me, I didn’t really know what I was signing on to. I hadn’t read the script, but from what I could tell, it was really nice people involved, so I was just like, ‘Awesome.’ Now I think I am even luckier than I knew then, to be part of something that feels so like coming home now.
[…]I am really, really excited to do the third thing and round it out, because ultimately, what I was signing on to was three films. So in my head, it’s three films. I think it will feel like the right time to round it out”.
This is news that perhaps was assumed but not really talked about in Star Wars circles. Ridley was plucked for obscurity for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but clearly has a smart head on her shoulders and doesn’t plan to solely be defined by the Rey character for her whole career.
She added that it was possible she’d make some appearances in a far-off, future Star Wars saga á la Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and co. in this latest trilogy, but said she couldn’t think that far ahead.
So, if Disney plans on making as many Star Wars films as possible until the well runs dry – and it certainly seems like that is the case – after Episode IX, they will have to find a new lead for the ‘main’ series. Though by that point, there will likely be a bevy on spinoffs, interconnected universes and companion films to pluck a new character from.
For fans of Ridley, it will eventually be a refreshing chance to see her in different roles, outside of the realm of a big-budget franchise. For fans of Star Wars, it is a tough blow.
#Peace.Love.StarWars
