Reflecting on a Decade: Daisy Ridley’s Journey in the Star Wars Galaxy
It has been ten years since Daisy Ridley participated in her inaugural table read for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The actress, who played a pivotal role in the sequel trilogy, recently opened up about her experiences during that iconic moment, shedding light on both her excitement and apprehensions. For Ridley, stepping into the expansive universe of Star Wars was a monumental challenge, especially given her young age of just 22 at the time.
A Nerve-Wracking Introduction
In an insightful interview with Empire Magazine, Ridley humorously recounted her initial fears and the environment of the table read. Surrounded by legendary figures such as Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and the late Carrie Fisher, she faced her nerves head-on. “I remember I was so scared. I had to go for many wees,”Ridley admitted, acknowledging how her anxiety manifested physically. “I literally had to keep going, ‘I’m so sorry,’ because I was so nervous,”she explained, highlighting the pressure of the moment.
The Intimidating Seating Arrangement
Her anxiety was further heightened by the seating arrangement during the read-through. Ridley shared, “They sat me between Carrie [Fisher] and Harrison [Ford], and it was nerve-racking,”but graciously noted that “everyone was so lovely.”Despite the warm atmosphere, Ridley felt her performance fell short of expectations. “The read-through went by in a blur, and I think I was terrible. No, really!”she confessed. Following the session, director J.J. Abrams reached out to her, offering personalized guidance, which she humorously interpreted as a sign of concern: “They probably thought, ‘What have we done?,’ but it was too late!”
A Future Star is Born
Looking back, it is evident that Ridley was destined for her role. With her portrayal of Rey, she not only won over audiences worldwide but also became a central figure in the ongoing evolution of the Star Wars saga. As she prepares to lead this cherished franchise into a new era, her journey serves as a testament to overcoming fears and embracing challenges.
As we commemorate ten years since the launch of The Force Awakens, Ridley’s experiences remind fans of the emotional and transformative power of storytelling within the Star Wars universe.