The Star Wars sequel trilogy did not please all fans. On the contrary, many were upset about the decisions that particularly affected the main character Rey. The actress who plays her recently spoke about the controversy.
What did disappointed fans criticize? The newer episodes of Star Wars, namely episodes 7 to 9, were not well received by many fans of the beloved film series. Especially the plot, which in the case of episode 7 is reminiscent of the fourth (and at that time the first) film, “A New Hope,” was the focus of criticism.
What happened to the characters also did not please everyone. Or in other words: Where they came from.
Especially the origin of the protagonist Rey disturbs many. The actress of Rey, Daisy Ridley, felt the controversy surrounding her character strongly. How she dealt with it, she shared in a recent podcast.
Fans were dissatisfied with the character
What was the fans’ problem? In an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actress recalls that time. The mood of the fans changed significantly, especially between episode 8 (The Last Jedi) and 9 (The Rise of Skywalker).
At the center of the anger was Rey’s lineage. In episode 8, it is stated that Rey is the daughter of a “nobody.” However, in the next film, a major twist was revealed. Many fans found this unbelievable and an forced twist in the story.
Some fans also felt that the kiss between Rey and another character was undeserved, according to Ridley. Ironically, this scene was very emotional for the actress. Not only did Rey bid farewell to her mentioned kissing partner, but Daisy Ridley herself said: “I felt like I was also saying goodbye to that job.”
Another character in these films was supposed to have a completely different story.
How did the actress deal with the controversy? Although four years have passed since the 9th and so far last film with Daisy Ridley in the lead role, the controversy still occupies the actress.
“It still bothers me,” she says. The reason for this: “You don’t want people to feel that you are not doing justice to the thing that they are a fan of.”
Ridley then downplays the responsibility. She is just an actress. The decisions about the plot and characters do not lie with her: “I say the words, I do the things.” Regarding the development of her character, she says: “I love the version of: You can be anyone you want to be. But I also love the version where you can correct mistakes and have no control over what you are born into.”
Her own opinions about the films have not changed despite the controversy. Daisy Ridley will be seen again as Rey in an upcoming film about her character. Another actor from the series, however, will never play his character again.
