Finding out who plays Rey Skywalker is usually the first thing people do after finishing the sequel trilogy. It’s funny because, back in 2014, nobody knew who she was. Literally. Daisy Ridley was a total unknown working in a London pub when she got the call that would change her life. J.J. Abrams specifically wanted a fresh face—someone the audience didn't have any baggage with. He didn't want you seeing "that girl from that other movie" holding a lightsaber. He wanted you to see Rey.
It worked.
Ridley’s journey from bit parts in British TV shows like Casualty and Mr. Selfridge to the literal center of a multi-billion dollar franchise is the kind of stuff they write movies about. Honestly, her casting was a huge gamble for Disney. If she hadn't landed that mix of vulnerability and "don't mess with me" grit, the whole trilogy might have felt flat.
The Mystery Behind the Casting of Rey
So, how did a girl with basically zero credits beat out thousands of other actors? It wasn't just one audition. It was five. Five grueling rounds of reading lines and trying to prove she could carry the weight of a galaxy on her shoulders.
Abrams has mentioned in interviews that what clinched it for Ridley was her ability to channel intense emotion on command. During one of her screen tests, she had to perform a scene where she’s being interrogated by Kylo Ren. She cried. It wasn’t a fake, Hollywood cry; it was a raw, shaky moment that proved she could handle the darker, more psychological parts of the Force.
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Life Before the Force
Before she was scavaging on Jakku, Ridley was doing the "struggling actor" thing in London.
- She had a small role in Youngers.
- She did a stint in Silent Witness.
- She even appeared in a grocery store commercial.
It’s wild to think about now, but she was just another person trying to make rent until she became the first female lead of a mainline Star Wars movie. That kind of pressure is heavy. You’ve got the legacy of Luke and Han, and then there’s you. Ridley has been pretty open about the anxiety that came with it, admitting she felt like a "total novice" compared to legends like Harrison Ford.
Beyond the Sequels: What Is Daisy Ridley Doing Now?
A lot of people think that once The Rise of Skywalker wrapped in 2019, Ridley just disappeared. That’s not even close to true. She’s been busy, but she’s been making "actor choices" rather than "movie star choices."
She leaned into smaller, more character-driven projects. Have you seen Sometimes I Think About Dying? It’s a quiet, indie film that’s about as far from a TIE fighter chase as you can get. She also starred in Young Woman and the Sea, playing Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. It’s clear she’s trying to prove her range beyond just "Jedi Master," and honestly, she’s succeeding.
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But let's be real. You're here because you want to know if she's coming back to the desert.
The Return of Rey Skywalker in 2026
The big news—and the reason people are searching for who plays Rey Skywalker all over again—is the upcoming film often referred to as New Jedi Order.
It’s been a bit of a rocky road behind the scenes. Writers have come and gone, including Steven Knight and Damon Lindelof. As of early 2026, the project is still very much alive, though it’s had some delays while the script gets perfected. Daisy Ridley herself has been the most reliable source of info, telling fans in recent interviews that the story is "wonderful" and "worth the wait."
The movie is set about 15 years after the events of Episode IX. Rey is no longer the student; she’s the teacher. She’s trying to rebuild the Jedi Order from scratch, which is a massive narrative hook. It’s a chance to see a version of the character we’ve never seen—settled, powerful, and maybe a little overwhelmed by the responsibility.
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Why Daisy Ridley Stayed When Others Walked Away
It’s interesting to look at the sequel cast. Oscar Isaac and John Boyega have had... complicated relationships with their time in Star Wars. They’ve both been vocal about the ups and downs. Ridley, on the other hand, has always been the franchise's biggest cheerleader.
Maybe it’s because the role defined her career, or maybe she just genuinely loves the lore. Whatever the reason, her willingness to come back for a standalone film is the only reason that movie is happening. Without her, there is no Rey. It’s one of those rare instances where the actor and the character are so intertwined that a recast would be unthinkable.
Key Projects Featuring Daisy Ridley as Rey:
- The Force Awakens (2015) – The debut.
- The Last Jedi (2017) – The one that divided everyone (but Ridley was great in it).
- The Rise of Skywalker (2019) – Where she finally takes the name Skywalker.
- Forces of Destiny – An animated series where she provided the voice.
- Star Wars: New Jedi Order – The upcoming 2026/2027 theatrical return.
The Cultural Impact of the Character
Rey Skywalker changed things. Whether you loved the sequels or hated them, you can't deny that seeing a woman lead the Jedi was a massive shift for the brand. Walk through any Disney park and you'll see hundreds of kids wearing those Jakku wraps and carrying blue lightsabers.
Ridley brought a specific kind of "earnestness" to the role. She wasn't playing a cool, detached superhero. She played someone who was lonely, someone who wanted to belong, and someone who was occasionally terrified of her own power. That’s why people still care about who plays Rey Skywalker—because the performance felt human in a world of aliens and spaceships.
What’s Next for You?
If you want to keep up with Daisy Ridley’s journey back to the Jedi Temple, keep an eye on official Lucasfilm announcements regarding the New Jedi Order production schedule. In the meantime, her recent work in Magpie and We Bury the Dead (releasing later this year) offers a great look at how she's matured as an actor since her days on Ahch-To. If you're looking for a deep dive into her non-Star Wars work, checking out her indie credits on platforms like Hulu or A24 is the best way to see the range she’s bringing back to the galaxy far, far away.