Daisy Ridley’s return to Star Wars ignites buzz amid a milestone female director
Daisy Ridley’s return to Star Wars ignites buzz amid a milestone female director. Attention has been focused on Obaid-Chinoy’s choice as director, as she marks a major milestone in Star Wars history by being the first woman to take on this role.
By Megan Sauer
Amid growing anticipation for the next Star Wars film, which will mark the return of Daisy Ridley as King Skywalker, the actress recently addressed comments and speculation that have arisen around the film’s director, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who will become the first woman to direct a Star Wars film.
Why did Daisy Ridley return to the Star Wars franchise?
Attention has been focused on Obaid-Chinoy’s choice as director, as she marks a major milestone in Star Wars history by being the first woman to take on this role.
Despite progress in gender diversity in the film industry, the news has sparked discussions about female representation in key roles within major film franchises.
In an exclusive interview with Variety (via Comic Book Movie), Ridley cleared up doubts about whether her decision to return to the franchise was influenced by the director’s gender. “The short answer is I don’t know. I’m excited to do the job,” Ridley said.
The actress praised Obaid-Chinoy’s impactful documentary productions and shared that the idea for the story of the film is amazing. “No spoilers, but she gave me a rundown of the whole story,” she added.
The next Star Wars installment is scheduled for release in December 2026, and Ridley has highlighted the quality of the project as a determining factor in his decision to participate.
“It’s exciting for me to work on this, and Sharmeen is doing an incredible job. I’m sure it will be something special,” said the actress.
When addressing the possibility of working without his usual co-stars, Adam Driver, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac, Ridley revealed that it wouldn’t be strange to him, since he doesn’t know the details about who will be present in the new film.
“I don’t know what’s what or who’s who [in the new movie]. Following the Skywalker Saga, I faced a lot. Now I feel like an adult. When I started, I was 20, I was the youngest on set” Ridley shared.
The actress reflected on her evolution since the first two Star Wars films and how she has grown as a performer.
“It took me the first two ‘Star Wars’ movies to feel worthy of being there. Now I’m in my 30s. This all feels quite different.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with other filmmakers, and hopefully, I’ve gotten better as a performer.” Ridley said.
As for the plot of the film, it has been confirmed that it will continue the story after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, focusing on Rey Skywalker as she works to rebuild the Jedi Order and face new dark threats that stand in her way.
However, specific details of the challenges Rey and the new era of the Star Wars timeline, officially titled The New Jedi Order, will face are still being kept under wraps.
While production progresses and plot details are kept under wraps, Star Wars fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey Skywalker and the impact that the franchise’s first female director will have on this new film installment.
