Star Wars: Daisy Ridley says fan sexism is ‘blown out of proportion’
Star Wars: Daisy Ridley says fan sexism is ‘blown out of proportion’. The actress talks about her experience with fans of the distant galaxy and believes that things are very different from what is said.
By Megan Sauer
Daisy Ridley arrived to change Lucasfilm’s distant galaxy in 2015 when she became the protagonist of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. That film was the beginning of a new era for the franchise, a stage driven entirely by The Walt Disney Company.
Daisy’s presentation was not received by everyone with open arms, and comments that criticized her signing appeared on social media. Now, in an interview with NBC, the 31-year-old actress affirms that the sexism of the fandom is now seen in a disproportionate way and that her relationship with the fans is good.
Ridley achieved worldwide fame thanks to her starring role as Rey in the Star Wars film trilogy. Later, she continued working on film and television projects, demonstrating her acting versatility and her ability to tackle various genres.
Outside of the Star Wars universe, Daisy Ridley participated in films such as Murder on the Orient Express and Chaos: The Beginning. In addition, she has ventured into the voice of animated characters in films such as The Mischief of Peter Rabbit and Peter Rabbit 2: Rabbit on the Run.
Her rise in the entertainment industry has been notable, and her skill in front of the screen has made her a relevant figure in the world of cinema.
What did Daisy Ridley say about sexism in the Star Wars fandom?
During her recent appearance on NBC’s Today, the hosts questioned Ridley about what happened after Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy was announced as director of the new Star Wars movie. The question emphasized negative criticism and sexism from fans, to which Daisy responded confidently.
“I guess my opinion is that things are overblown, and the interactions I’ve had with people have been nothing but wonderful and supportive. They just hugged me. People will find our movie exceptional that we are going to make.”
Sexism in the Star Wars fandom has been a recurring theme, highlighted by criticism and discriminatory behavior towards female characters, both within the films and towards the actresses who play them.
The sequel trilogy, in particular, sparked intense debates online, where some fans expressed resistance towards the female lead, Rey, played by Daisy. Much criticism focused on the perception that Rey’s character development did not meet the expectations of certain sectors of the fandom, fueling sexist discussions about the appropriateness of a female protagonist in the Star Wars universe.
In addition to Ridley, Kelly Marie Tran, who played Rose Tico, has been the victim of harassment and comments on social media. Sexism has manifested itself through unfair gender-based criticism, personal attacks, and threats, highlighting the persistence of regressive attitudes in some sectors of the fandom.
Despite these challenges, many voices within the Star Wars community have championed diversity and inclusion, urging a cultural shift in the fandom to promote a more respectful and equitable environment.
