Olivia Cooke is now arguably one of TV's big names, thanks to her impeccable work on House of the Dragon. So, as Season 3 airs on the 2026 TV schedule, it's wild to think that the actress who plays Alicent Hightower could ever lose out on a job. Of course, every actor has a role that got away and, as I just learned, Cooke missed out on a job of a lifetime in Star Wars after bombing an audition.

During an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Cooke revealed that she was in the running for a big role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and fans can probably guess which. While there's always still a chance she can show up in upcoming Star Wars movies, it won't be as Rey Skywalker, since she blew her chance at that role:

As we all know, everyone and their dog fell short, and Daisy Ridley became the new face of Star Wars. That's sad for Olivia Cooke but, obviously, everything happens for a reason, and who knows if she'd be crushing it as Alicent in House of the Dragon had she gotten picked over Ridley. Ironically, Emilia Clarke and Gwendoline Christie both did GOT and Star Wars, and I'd love for there to always a reality in which both could've happened for Cooke.

Of course, considering Cooke's talent, I was most surprised to hear her take on how the audition went. Based on the comments she shared with podcaster Josh Horowitz, the Ready Player One star's attempt to land the role was quite rough. Cooke ran down how it all transpired and gave props to Ridley for actually landing the job:

What's interesting is that while she allegedly "bombed" her Rey audition, Olivia Cooke remained in conversations to appear in Star Wars years later. She was rumored to join the cast of The Last Jedi. Based on the character description that was shared at the time, the role seemed to be Rose Tico, who was played by Kelly Marie Tran. Yet Cooke actually clarified that she never auditioned for that role and didn't know where the rumor came from.

It all worked out, of course, and she's now playing the character who might be the most traumatized in House of the Dragon. Honestly, I'd argue that the role has prepared her for what it could be like if she ever eventually joined Star Wars down the road, especially when it comes to handling the passionate fans. It's not easy being a star of a sci-fi or fantasy series, especially in the age of the internet when fans have more access than ever to stars.

We'll see if the stars ever align and we get Olivia Cooke venture into the galaxy far, far away. In the meantime, though, catch her on House of the Dragon, which airs on HBO on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET and is streamable with an HBO Max subscription. And, of course, fans can also check out Daisy Ridley's performance as Rey by streaming the Star Wars movies with a Disney+ subscription.

Star Wars Day is a special day for fans of the franchise, and it's particularly special whenever the actual stars of the series come out of hyperspace for a little nostalgia. This year, Samuel L. Jackson and Daisy Ridley both took time off their busy 2026 movie calendars, marking May the 4th with social media posts that gave fans a nice mix of behind-the-scenes memories and great pictures with the creator himself, George Lucas and more.

Jackson, who played Jedi Master Mace Windu in the prequel trilogy, shared a carousel on Instagram, which you can see below, with the message, “MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU,” followed by a fist emoji, several exclamation points and a purple heart. Naturally, that purple heart feels on brand for the actor who famously wielded one of the most recognizable lightsabers in the entire franchise.

The post included several images tied to Jackson’s time in the Star Wars universe, including behind-the-scenes shots with George Lucas, a Star Wars Insider cover featuring Mace Windu, and a great image of Jackson in costume alongside Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker. There was also a shot of Jackson holding Mace’s purple lightsaber, which is basically red meat for anyone still hoping the Jedi somehow survived his fall in Revenge of the Sith.

One commenter wrote that Mace Windu was “the only Jedi to beat Sidious in a duel,” while another argued that because fans “never saw a body,” Mace could still show back up someday. Walton Goggins also popped into the comments with a simple, “always YOU,” which somehow feels correct for a post celebrating one of the coolest Jedi to ever glare across the council chamber.

Jackson has long been open about wanting Mace Windu back in Star Wars, and the fandom has never fully let go of the idea. That is partly because Star Wars has made an entire art form out of unlikely returns, but also because Mace’s exit left just enough smoke in the air for fans to keep squinting into it. The man took Force lightning, lost a hand and went flying out a window, yes. But this is also a franchise where Darth Maul got cut in half and still found time to become a crime lord and is starring in his very own new Star Wars animated series, Star Wars: Maul–Shadow Lord, which fans and critics have been loving.

Ridley, meanwhile, used her Instagram Story to share a string of Star Wars Day posts, including a simple “Happy Star Wars Day to all who celebrate!!!” message over a video from a recording session. She also shared a photo of her behind the camera, check it out below:

One of the more interesting posts from Ridley came later, when she shared an Empire Magazine graphic ranking Rey among “The Greatest Star Wars Characters of All Time.” The image included Rey’s “I am all the Jedi” line from The Rise of Skywalker, which feels like a fitting Star Wars Day nod for a character fans have debated, defended and picked apart since The Force Awakens.

My personal favorite, though, was a photo of the Last Jedi cast smiling together at a black-tie event. It’s a small thing, but it’s a great behind-the-scenes snapshot and exactly the kind of warm franchise memory that works so well on May the Fourth. She also shared a fun image of John Williams' orchestra at work:

The timing is hard to miss, too. Ridley’s Rey is expected to return in a future Star Wars film, while Jackson’s Mace Windu remains one of those characters fans keep trying to will back into canon through sheer collective stubbornness.

For now, though, their May the Fourth posts did exactly what good Star Wars Day posts should do. They opened the blast doors on a few old memories and reminded fans why these characters still matter.

Posts like Jackson’s and Ridley’s land ahead of the franchise’s next theatrical release. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters May 22, 2026. But if you’re already itching for another trip back to that galaxy far, far away, all the Star Wars movies in order, along with the live-action shows and animated series, are streaming with a Disney+ subscription.

Shortly upon its release, Girls joined the ranks of HBO shows that got the world talking. The movie helped to make a star of out Adam Driver, and folks with a HBO Max subscription have been regularly re-watching the series since it wrapped back in 2017. Creator Lena Dunham has recently gone viral thanks to an excerpt from her book which detailed tension she had with Driver on the series. And now an interview Daisy Ridley did about her time working on the 42 year-old actor has resurfaced as a result of the discourse.

Dunham recently celebrated the release of her new memoir Famesick, which includes her experience filming Girls across six seasons. In addition to being surprised at how audiences responded to Adam Driver's character, she also wrote about some conflict she had with him on set, including an incident where he punched a wall and threw a chair. That quickly went viral, leading an old interview with Star Wars' Daisy Ridley to resurface.

Lena Dunham's Memoir Included Some Conflict With Adam Driver

Despite being the creative force between one of the best HBO shows to stream, Lena Dunham has been somewhat of a controversial figure. So it should come to no surprise that the parts of Famesick where she writes about having conflict with Adam Driver quickly went viral. In a follow-up interview with People about the book, she clarified her intention in including those stories, saying:

Indeed, Lena Dunham was catapulted into fame as a result of Girls, where she was the star, writer, director, creator, and showrunner. And her book Famesick spoke about the challenges of being the boss at age at just 25 years-old, with her professional relationship with Driver being one of its many challenges. For his part, the House of Gucci actor hasn't responded to the story going viral.

What Daisy Ridley Previously Said About Driver

Driver is an A-list actor, who catapulted into superstardom after debuting as Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription). Folks who spent years watching the Star Wars movies in order know that he had a ton of scenes with Daisy Ridley, and in a resurfaced interview opposite Driver for V Magazine (via Tumblr), she gushed about their working relationship. In her words:

It sounds like they had great chemistry immediately, standing in opposition to Ridley's discomfort with meeting people. Adam Driver echoed her comments, as well as his own struggles with small talk. Overall this resurfaced interview is juxtaposed to what Lena Dunham wrote about her time opposite Driver on Girls.

Despite Adam Driver's Ben Solo movie being scrapped, there are still fans hoping he reunites with Daisy Ridley on her developing Rey movie. Additionally, only time will tell if he ends up responding to the claims made about him in Famesick.

Lena Dunham's book is out now, and Adam Driver is attached to a number of upcoming projects on the 2026 movie release list and beyond.

There’s a certain point in the Star Wars rumor cycle where excitement turns into mild existential confusion, and I think we may have crossed it again. A new report suggests that a major legacy character could return in an upcoming Star Wars trilogy set after The Rise of Skywalker, but not in the way fans might expect. I’m not opposed to revisiting familiar faces in a galaxy far, far away, but this particular rumor raises more questions than it answers.

According to a recent report from Comic Book Movie, a familiar hero is expected to play a “huge role” in a planned Star Wars trilogy being developed by Simon Kinberg — but won’t actually serve as the lead. The scoop, which traces back to Daniel Richtman via SFFGazette, claims that Rey Skywalker, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, will appear prominently... even as the story itself centers on a new group of protagonists.

Rey Is Back But Not the Focus

That setup sounds reasonable enough on paper. Lucasfilm has been stuck in a holding pattern since The Rise of Skywalker closed out the entire Skywalker Saga in 2019, and moving the timeline forward has long felt like the cleanest path ahead. With the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu arriving on the 2026 movie schedule and other projects orbiting the post-Episode IX era, it’s clear the studio wants to establish a new status quo without completely severing ties to what came before.

Still, this specific framing is… odd.

Rey was positioned as the emotional and thematic anchor of the sequel trilogy. Bringing her back in a supporting capacity — “front and center,” but not the protagonist — feels like a hedge. Lucasfilm appears to want the comfort of familiarity without fully committing to the baggage that comes with it. Rey is important, but not "too" important. Present, but not driving the story.

Where This Rumor Leaves The Rey Solo Movie

Part of the confusion comes from how this rumored trilogy overlaps with other announced plans. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still attached to a standalone Rey-focused movie set roughly 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, though that project has gone through multiple writers and long stretches of silence.

If Kinberg’s upcoming Star Wars films also feature Rey in a major capacity, it’s hard not to wonder whether these projects are meant to complement one another — or quietly replace each other. Is the solo film a bridge into the trilogy? Or is the trilogy the real priority, with the solo movie slowly drifting into limbo?

The powers that be have not clarified, and that silence only adds to the uncertainty.

The Fan Reaction Problem

There’s also the audience response to consider. Rey remains one of the most polarizing characters in modern Star Wars — not because of Ridley’s performance, but because of how unevenly her arc was handled across three films with three different creative visions.

Reintroducing her without a clearly defined purpose risks reopening old debates rather than charting a confident new direction. If she’s back, fans are going to want to know why — and what she represents now.

Kinberg does have a Star Wars pedigree thanks to his work on Rebels (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription) and Lucasfilm leadership has suggested this trilogy could be a long-term cornerstone stretching well into the 2030s. If Rey’s role is meant to bridge generations — mentor rather than messiah — that could work, in theory.

For now, though, this remains firmly in rumor territory. No casting confirmations, no official announcements, and no concrete release dates. Just another intriguing, slightly baffling piece of the ever-shifting Star Wars puzzle.

Whether this ends up being a thoughtful evolution or another attempt to play it safe remains to be seen. But if Rey Skywalker is coming back without truly leading the charge, I’m less excited than I am… confused.

Since the Depp v. Heard trial ended in June 2022, Johnny Depp has seemingly been ready to make a major Hollywood return. He's already filmed one new movie, Marc Webb’s Day Drinker, and he’ll also be teaming up with great horror director Ti West for A Christmas Carol. Not only am I excited to see Depp play the grouchy Ebenezer Scrooge, but his roster of co-stars may be the best ensemble he's worked alongside in years.

Johnny Depp’s greatest roles have placed him in some pretty sweet ensemble films like the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and more. But his holiday film is seemingly matching those films when it comes to start. It was recently reported by Deadline that Daisy Ridley and Rupert Grint are among the latest to join Ti West’s Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. And that news comes after the initial bits of casting news, which were already impressive. Check out the list:

• Ian McKellen
• Daisy Ridley
• Rupert Grint
• Sam Chaflin
• Charlie Murphy
• Andrea Riseborough
• Tramell Tillman
• Ellie Bamber
• Arthur Conti

There are so many familiar faces in this group, and this is making me really excited for West’s adaptation. Ian McKellen is known for his Shakespearean work and the grounded presence he brings to his roles. While we don’t yet know which role the X-Men actor is taking on, I can definitely picture him playing one of the spirits (maybe Jacob Marley?) that shows Scrooge the error of his ways.

Daisy Ridley would also make a great spirit. Her star power shone as Jedi prodigy Rey in the Star Wars movies, and she’s got a genuine commanding vibe through which she can also exude genuine warmth that audiences connect to. British stars like Sam Claflin and Andrea Riseborough have both played natural, flawed characters, too, that make audiences root hard for them.

I’m also very excited that Rupert Grint has been cast in the Christmas flick. While he started as a child star in the Harry Potter movies, he’s since moved into creepy projects like the Apple TV+ series Servant and M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin. Deadline’s sources say that Grint’s unconfirmed role could be Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s selfless employee. That would certainly track, given Grint seems to be around the right age for the role, and he can give off the noble vibes that have long been associated with Cratchit.

While A Christmas Carol may be the story of Ebenezer Scrooge undergoing a major character transformation, it's also a story with a plethora of key supporting roles. So I can understand why West would want to seek out such strong actors to fill out his cast. Given the stars involved, I’m confident that their unique energy and range will complement Depp well and bring about a chemistry that will make this latest Charles Dickens adaptation memorable.

It, of course, remains to be seen how this film might actually perform but, at least right now, it does indeed mark a big step for Johnny Depp as he seeks to settle back into his work in Hollywood. Time will tell what Ti West's vision yields and how Depp and his talented co-stars will approach their roles. Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol opens in theaters on November 13th as part of the 2026 movie schedule.

There are major film franchises, and then there's the Star Wars movies. Generations were brought up on the galaxy far far away (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription), and fans are super passionate. Those fans were hyped when it was revealed that a new Star Wars trilogy was in development, including a movie starring Daisy Ridley's Rey. But the actress' latest acting gig has me nervous about that long-developing blockbuster.

George Lucas' franchise has been absent from the big screen since the end of The Rise of Skywalker, but that'll change when The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters in May. The Rey movie was announced back in 2023, so it's already been in development for a while. When Deadline reported that Daisy Ridley will star in Pierre Morel's thriller The Good Samaritan, it was made clear that the movie still isn't ready to film. Will it stay in development hell forever, or will we ever actually get to see this project?

Obviously actors work all the time, so I may be a bit of an alarmist here. But the fact that fans are so passionate about the upcoming Star Wars movie and it still doesn't have a clear path to theaters is concerning. It's also noteworthy that both The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter will end up released before the trilogy that the studio announced.

While there's plenty of hope for those aforementioned titles, the lack of updates about the Rey movie is a real bummer. I'm personally ready to see Daisy Ridley's character start a new Jedi Order, preferably with Finn as one of her students. Hopefully the movie gets some forward momentum sooner rather than later.

Funny enough, Star Wars fans have been galvanized by the concept of another follow-up to The Rise of Skywalker lately. The internet was set ablaze Adam Driver revealed he pitched a Kylo Ren movie, meant to be directed by Steven Soderbergh and titled The Hunt for Ben Solo. Since then fans have started campaigning for the studio to change its mind, including flying a plane over Disney asking it to "save" that scrapped title.

I think this is a clear sign that fans are interested in projects that follow the events of The Rise of Skywalker, and focus on the trilogy characters we know and love. While I'm also hyped that Star Wars is bringing back standalone movies, the concept of Rey as a Jedi Master is too good to pass up.

Ridley's job on The Good Samaritan does sound exciting, as director Pierre Morel worked on action flicks like Peppermint and Taken. It's also being written by Rambo: First Blood screenwriter Matthew Ian Cirulnick.

Star Wars will return to the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22nd as part of the 2026 movie release list. I'll keep my fingers (and lightsabers) crossed that the Rey movie moves forward.

Although it’s not officially scheduled yet on the upcoming Star Wars movies slate, Daisy Ridley’s big screen return as Rey is still in the works, with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy directing and George Nolfi writing the script as of January 2025. The untitled movie will follow Rey 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker as she forms a new Jedi Order. Coming much sooner, however, is a story shedding more light on what happened to the character after The Last Jedi, and it sounds intriguing.

Lucasfilm has announced Star Wars: The Jaws of Jakku, an Audible Original that will be released on Thursday, October 9. Clocking in at three hours and 53 minutes, this audio book, which is written by Cavan Scott and narrated by Helen Sadler, follows Rey returning to Jakku and looking to have a breakthrough with her Jedi training. Upon arriving on the desert planet with Finn and BB-8 in tow, she meets a young girl who’s on a dangerous mission to save her family. This trio of Sequel Trilogy will embark into Jakku’s “pitch-black tunnels” beneath the sands and run into various threats to help the girl accomplish her objective.

This won’t be the first time Star Wars fans have had the opportunity to check in on Rey between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. The novel Resistance Reborn previously highlighted her as one of the few remaining survivors of the Resistance who was traveling around the galaxy trying to regrow their ranks. Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron also starred in Spark of the Resistance, which saw them going on a rescue mission to the isolated planet of Minfar.

Star Wars: The Jaws of Jakku, however, will be a more personal story for Rey. Not only is she returning to the planet she grew up on, she’ll make significant progress with her Jedi training during this time, setting up where we find her at the beginning of The Rise of Skywalker. It’s also the second way Jakku has recently been spotlighted, as the trio of comic book limited series Battle of Jakku — Insurgency Rising and Battle of Jakku — Republic Under Siege and Battle of Jakku - Last Stand, chronicled the final conflict in the Galactic Civil War, including why Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa didn’t participate in it.

The Jaws of Jakku will be the Star Wars franchise’s fourth Audible Original, following Padawan’s Pride, Seeds of Starlight and Haunted Starlight, with the latter two being set during the High Republic era. Although past Star Wars audio books have later been turned into novels, like 2019’s Dooku: Jedi Lost, it’s unclear if that will happen with any of these Audible Originals following a period of exclusivity. Also arriving next month is the YA book The Last Order, which will follow Finn and Jannah tracking down a ship full of young passengers that have been kidnapped by The First Order after The Rise of Skywalker.

As far as Star Wars movies go, the film series set in a galaxy far, far away will resume when The Mandalorian & Grogu is released on May 22, 2026. After that is the Ryan Gosling-led Starfighter, which is set to come out in 2027.

As of late, there’s been a trend of books that started as fan fiction of movie couples becoming films themselves – and it’s not stopping now. Ali Hazelwood’s bestselling 2021 novel The Love Hypothesis, which was inspired by Star Wars’ “Reylo”, has joined the list of upcoming book adaptations, with Amazon MGM Studios producing and Lili Reinhart playing Olive Smith. But what's really surprising is that the movie just cast its Adam Carlsen, and there’s an amazing connection to the galaxy far, far away.

There’s Already A Star Wars Connection Within The Love Hypothesis Casting

It was back in 2022 when we heard The Love Hypothesis was going to become a movie, but it’s now finally getting off the ground. After Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart announced her role in the project on Instagram on Wednesday, we’ve also learned that Tom Bateman has been cast to play the movie’s love interest, per Deadline. And you know what’s funny? Bateman is the real-life husband of Daisy Ridley, who played Rey, aka one half of the “Reylo” ship from the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Check out the co-star’s announcement on TikTok:

The “Reylo” ship is, of course, a relationship with the Star Wars sequel trilogy that had a huge fanbase behind it while those movies were coming out. Daisy Ridley’s Rey and Adam Driver’s Kylo were pitted as enemies in The Force Awakens, especially since Rey was a force of good and Kylo killed her friend/his own father, Han Solo, and sought to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Darth Vader.

With each Star Wars movie, the relationship picked up steam, and ultimately Rey and Kylo Ren’s controversial kiss in The Rise of Skywalker only encouraged fans further. Now, it should be noted that The Love Hypothesis is a very different story than its inspiration. It’s about a third-year Ph.D candidate named Olive and the hotshot professor named Adam who agrees to fake a relationship with her until things get steamy for real between them.

The name Adam is obviously a nod to Adam Driver, and the pair look very closely like Ridley and Driver on the book’s cover. The official synopsis of the novel also nods to its connection by saying that it's “going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks” to get Olive her happily ever after (though the novel itself no longer has overt Star Wars references).

Fans Have The Best Reactions To Tom Bateman’s Casting News

As you can imagine, the internet is all over this casting news. As one Twitter user shared:

Another person suggested perhaps Daisy Ridley had something to do with it. Her and Bateman have been collaborators as well as romantic partners, given Bateman wrote and produced one of Ridley’s recent starring roles, Magpie. Check out this tweet:

Tom Bateman and Daisy Ridley met on the set of The Murder on the Orient Express back in 2017, and have been together ever since. Bateman’s other credits include Death on the Nile, Snatched, Cold Pursuit and starring in the new Peacock series Based on a True Story. Here’s one more amazing reaction on X:

What a perfect little nod to The Love Hypothesis’ origins. Reylo fans can get excited for this new adaptation along with the Rey movie on the way from the slate of upcoming Star Wars projects.

If you were wondering how much Mark Hamill keeps up with upcoming Star Wars movies ever since Luke Skywalker died in The Last Jedi, this might be your answer. The former star of the franchise was asked about his character returning for the previously announced movie centered around Rey, and his unexpectedly hilarious response might've told us all we need to know.

While we've seen Mark Hamill pop up a few times as Luke in Star Wars shows available with a Disney+ subscription, it appears his time in the movies may be coming to an end. Comicbook.com caught up with the actor during his press tour for The Life Of Chuck, and asked him if he'd return as a Force Ghost in Daisy Ridley's return to the franchise. Surprisingly, the actor said he had no clue about the project:

Now we play the game of whether or not Mark Hamill is being genuine, or he's doing the classic thing he's built a career on, and "acting." Was he oblivious to the fact Daisy Ridley was returning to Star Wars, or is he playing coy because he can't say anything of substance about his involvement?

One thing that I would find hard to believe is that if Disney is bringing Rey back to the big screen, Mark Hamill would not be approached to reprise his role in the same way Alec Guinness served as the Force Ghost Obi-Wan for Luke.

Even if Mark Hamill said no to returning, and there's a chance he might have, considering his comments a couple of years back about going back to movies, but I can't imagine no one reached out to him with an offer. Star Wars fans love Luke Skywalker, and I would imagine it's expected that he'll be part of the fun. Perhaps we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that he's not involved?

I think that it's hard to say. While it may be strange that Mark Hamill allegedly hasn't heard about this movie, it's worth noting that we still have a long way to go before the Rey movie is actually in theaters. The movie isn't on the 2026 slate and has not begun filming as of yet. I think it's fair to say there'd be no reason to bring Hamill into the mix at this point, especially if his role is as minor as a Force Ghost in the picture.

We will see for sure whenever filming for the Rey movie actually gets rolling. Before that, now would be a great time to watch every Star Wars movie in order, as we prepare for the grand return to theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is out in 2026.

Adam Driver is one of the most versatile actors out there. Whether his best movie performances can make you laugh, like in What If?, or break your heart, like in Marriage Story, Driver knows how to win over an audience. Even if fans love seeing him onscreen, Driver still vowed not to watch himself in his movies until he had the chance to do so with Star Wars co-stars Carrie Fisher and Daisy Ridley. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean he still doesn’t have regrets about that.

With the help of Star Wars, House of Gucci and BlacKkKlansman, Adam Driver’s movies have grossed over $2 billion. Fans may be lining up to see the American actor, but it doesn’t mean Driver is doing the same. The Girls actor explained on The Howard Stern Show why he can’t watch his own movies, and his reasoning makes sense:

I feel like I would be my own critic as well, constantly seeing all of the flaws in my performance that I wish I could change. But like Adam Driver said, what’s in the final product is out there with no way to call for a do-over. Maybe that’s why a lot of great actors become great directors of their own movies; to have that control of doing multiple takes of their own performance.

The Hollywood leading man wouldn’t be the only actor to stay away from their own films. Keira Knightley only watches her movies once for the same reason as Adam Driver, in that she only sees the bad in her performance and doesn't like to hear the sound of her voice. Denzel Washington also doesn’t rewatch his old movies, feeling he’d rather look forward than back. Driver got real about what movies made him break his vow not to watch himself and see if you can guess which movie:

The Star Wars movies truly were a standout time for Adam Driver. His performance as Kylo Ren was so haunting with uncertainty and longing in his eyes. Compared to the “angry bad guy” stereotype we see in a lot of villains, Driver was able to show that Kylo Ren was a confused and misdirected guy trying to live up to the impossible legacy of Darth Vader. Even with each drastic choice the Sequel Trilogy’s antagonist makes, you can’t help but feel sorry for him.

Even though Adam Driver was dead set on staying away from seeing his movies, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was clearly the exception. The talented actor said the heartwarming reason he gave the movie a chance was due to seeing it with Carrie Fisher and Daisy Ridley. However, it doesn’t mean he still wasn’t his own critic. Since Driver’s vow is broken, does that mean he’ll continue watching his movies? Here’s his honest answer to Howard Stern on why he won’t:

That’s understandable, not to continue watching your own movies due to knowing you have no control over the outcome. Previously, Adam Driver said he’s changed the way he watches his own movies by defending his acting choices compared of criticizing them. I feel like that would be the only way to view your movies in trusting that a director knows what works well for their film.

It may have been painful for Adam Driver to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens after vowing not to watch his own works, but at least it’s nice he had Carrie Fisher and Daisy Ridley there to take in the awkward experience. Even if Driver continues to stay away from his films, the legacy he left behind as Kylo Ren will continue to resonate with fans.

John Boyega may not be in an upcoming Star Wars movie, yet, but he’s clearly still got that spark for the galaxy far, far away. In a new interview, the actor opened up about his excitement for Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey in Lucasfilm’s upcoming Jedi-centric film. But while he’s cheering her on from the sidelines, it’s hard not to wonder: should he really be sitting this one out? Come on, I need him to join back up as Finn.

While guesting on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Boyega was asked by host Josh Horowitz if he knew Ridley was returning and how he found out. The Attack the Block star laughed, admitting he found out the same way fans did: online. However, he was not surprised by the return, as he explained:

Since The Rise of Skywalker served as the most recently released Star Wars movies in order, all the Star Wars shows on Disney+ have been the biggest way the franchise has continued on. However, that’s all about to change, given Disney’s cinematic plans for SW with the impending new trilogy of films, on top of the Mandalorian & Grogu movie.. Boyega’s reaction feels authentic and generous, and it’s refreshing to hear someone who starred in one of the most polarizing trilogies speak so openly, not just as an actor but as a fan.

But why isn’t he lined up to make a return? Well, he hadn't exactly had the most peaceful run within this franchise. In the podcast interview, which you can see below, the Woman King veteran mentions watching fan reaction videos and staying connected to the fandom in a way that feels personal without being promotional. But that’s precisely why his absence from the upcoming project hits a little harder.

Finn’s story was left hanging. The Force Awakens introduced him as a major presence with real potential (possibly Force-sensitive), brave, conflicted, and deeply human. But by the time The Rise of Skywalker wrapped, that potential for the character to “elevate” and “advance” had been all but sidelined. The Pacific Rim: Uprising alum was vocal about his frustrations with how characters of color were handled, and he didn’t sugarcoat the experience. He called out the marketing bait-and-switch and made it clear that he wanted better.

Now, better might actually be possible. With Rey set to rebuild the Jedi Order in a new story directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, this is a golden opportunity to reconnect the threads of the sequel trilogy in a meaningful way by bringing Finn back into the fold. The timing works. The narrative makes sense. And Boyega’s love for the franchise, even after everything, still burns bright.

So yes, I’m thrilled to see Daisy Ridley take center stage again. But if Finn isn’t standing beside her, finally stepping fully into the Force-sensitive role fans always believed in, it’ll feel like another missed opportunity. Lucasfilm, it’s time. Let Boyega return, not just as a fan, but as a Jedi.

There are popular movie franchises, and then there's Star Wars. The space opera (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription) has been popular for decades, resulting in generations of passionate fans. That fandom is looking forward to upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows, including the developing Rey movie. Actress Daisy Ridley revealed one concern about bringing back her signature role, and it's a great point.

Fans who have been watching the Star Wars movies in order were thrilled when the new trilogy was announced, featuring stories set across different part of the timeline. Ridley recently spoke to Backstage about her impending return to Rey, and revealed she was worried about slipping back into character. In her words:

This makes a great deal of sense. Ridley and her co-stars were immersed in the world of Star Wars when filming the sequel trilogy, with those movies produced in quick succession. So the 32 year-old actress is currently in the midst of her longest break from the character, and might have to work a bit harder to step into the role again.

Not much is known about the Rey movie, but it's expected to pick up the narrative after The Rise of Skywalker's ending. Fans are hoping to see Rey start up a new Jedi Order, this time as the Master. Hopefully we get more information about the developing blockbuster from director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

Fans are curious about what other Star Wars alum might be joining Daisy Ridley or her return as Rey. One popular fan hope is that John Boyega will be back as Finn, with the character finally getting his Jedi training in the process. The former Stormtrooper's Force sensitivity was teased a number of times throughout the sequel trilogy, but he never wielded a lightsaber again after his brief battle with Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens.

Lucasfilm is keeping its cards close to the chest regarding the franchise's future in theaters, but continues to expand with live-action shows on Disney+. Following Skeleton Crew, fan are hyped for Andor Season 2 to continue that story and bridge the gap between the show and Rogue One. Hopefully some updates about the Rey movie come soon, even if its not on the 2025 movie release list.

While Daisy Ridley is set to be part of one of the most exciting of upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows with the on-the-way Rey spinoff, it’s been years since the British actress has been in a blockbuster. That being said, stepping away from a galaxy far, far away in recent years hasn’t stunted Ridley’s bank account, according to a new report.

Ridley is not only the 32-year-old actress who became one with the Force during the 2010s. She is also a successful investor of real estate, along with earning endorsement deals and producing a number of her recent movies. That’s apparently working solidly for her, as Daily Mail is reporting that her accumulated profits currently stand at £14 million (which is around $14.7 million in U.S. dollars). If that number is correct, Daisy Ridley is being very smart with her money!

The report doesn’t go into a lot of detail, but does credit Fawks Ltd as the business where she has channelled her earnings since 2015 – the same year The Force Awakens was released. In terms of last year alone, apparently the actress made a profit of £730,000 (or $765,428), as well.

While Ridley wasn’t the lead of any Star Wars movies in 2024, her thriller Magpie and Disney movie Young Woman And The Sea, the latter which is streaming for those with a Disney+ subscription, were both released in theaters. She had a producing credit on both movies. Together, they made less than $600,000 worldwide (which is very low), so one would assume Ridley’s other investments outside Hollywood are proving more lucrative than her most recent efforts in the industry.

Of course, it has to help to have a trilogy of Star Wars movies under your belt to get you started on making smart investments and doubling one's money into more. It’s great to hear how successful the actress is despite not getting herself into any major franchises after Star Wars. After being in one of the most successful movies of all time, we don’t blame her for taking some time away from the spotlight, especially after receiving public backlash after one interview or dealing with the Star Wars trolling that still very much exists in the fandom.

Daisy Ridley has expressed some excitement over returning to the Star Wars universe in the movie allegedly called New Jedi Order, where Rey will reportedly mentor “a new crop of Jedi.” In January, it was announced the movie is going to be penned by George Nolfi, who also wrote The Bourne Ultimatum and Ocean’s 12. It will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who helmed a couple of episodes of Ms. Marvel, along with being an Oscar-winning filmmaker for her documentary shorts, both with stories about her native country of Pakistan.

While we wait for her return to Star Wars, you can see Ridley in her new movie, Cleaner, now in theaters.

We know that after a long hiatus, Star Wars will return to the big screen in 2026 as the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu movie has done the thing that no other Star Wars project announced since the end of the sequel trilogy has actually been able to do, roll cameras. However, the odds still seem strong that the announced movie featuring Daisy Ridley's return as Rey will end up happening, even if the film continues to churn through screenwriters.

When the new project, to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, was first announced, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were set to write the script. In March 2023, the pair left the project but were quickly replaced by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight. Knight himself left the film last October, but in a conversation with The Telegraph, he spoke about the “system” he was working within, and he was but a small part of, explaining:

According to The Telegraph, the conversation with Knight happened before his departure from the upcoming Star Wars movie, but he certainly sounds like he knew he was done, talking about his script in the past tense, as if he was done, but he knew the project was not.

Now, George Nolfi is the scribe currently attached to the film. He's promising a project with strong connections to George Lucas' original trilogy.

Whatever the circumstances, it seems there are no hard feelings between Knight and Lucasfilm. The writer clearly understood what part he was expected to play, and he played it. Whether or not the final draft of the script contains a significant amount of his work or not is likely something we won’t know until the movie comes out. He certainly hopes and expects that much of his work will survive, but he can’t be sure.

While bringing in multiple writers to continually fine-tune a script is fairly standard practice, there comes a point when it becomes clear that a movie is having trouble. We've seen multiple announced Star Wars movies get canceled and in most cases it appears that the "system" that Knight refers to simply wasn't able to produce a project that made everybody happy.

It’s far from clear when we might see this new Star Wars movie, but the list of upcoming Disney movies includes a pair of untitled Star Wars projects, and the next open slot is in December 2026, with this film being, as far as we know, the furthest along of the in-development Star Wars projects. The movie is likely eyeing that date, though it will certainly all depend on when the system produces a script that everybody is happy with.

This December marks ten years since Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit theaters. It subsequently revitalized the Star Wars franchise and introduced the world to a whole new group of Jedi and Sith. While some fans have, no doubt, watched the movie over and over again, the same cannot be said about one cast member. Lead actress Daisy Ridley admitted that she only recently caught a glimpse of herself in the iconic role for the first time in years. And, surprisingly, she was at the gym when she saw a portion of the flick.

It’s not that Daisy Ridley is opposed to watching herself — something that some actors have admitted hating having to do. It’s more so that she’s been busy since the sequel trilogy ended. However, as she explained to Collider, when the movie appeared on TV during a gym session, there was no reason for her not to catch a few minutes of the film that helped launch her Hollywood career. And it sounds like the experience was mostly delightful:

I don’t know if I’d pick the gym to watch The Force Awakens for the first time in years, but I can kind of see the appeal of it. Nothing would motivate me to push harder on the treadmill or a bike than knowing Kylo Ren and his fleet of Stormtroopers were after me. Maybe Ridley is on to a new workout method.

With nearly ten years having passed since the release, it’s probably a lot easier to watch now that the memories and the harsh criticism of Rey have faded a bit. After all, Ridley has been candid about how nervous she was heading into the first read-through for The Force Awakens. Thankfully, she was in great hands and received life-changing advice from Star Wars legend Carrie Fisher.

It’s also probably a good idea for Ridley to get reacquainted with the role, considering a brand new Star Wars film centered around Rey is in active development, with the We Bury the Dead star set to reprise her role. Unfortunately, the untitled project is still a long way off as another new writer was just tapped for the production in the hopes of crafting the perfect script.

Star Wars fans are used to waiting, though, considering the prequel trilogy wasn’t released until 32 years afterReturn of the Jedi hit theaters. At the very least, fans can rest assured that Disney and Lucasfilm aren’t rushing into this project and that they want to ensure it makes sense in the timeline of events. And what’s even better is that Daisy Ridley has been heavily involved in the project behind the scenes, meaning Rey's legacy is in strong and capable hands. As she does so, here's hoping that Ridley does get the opportunity to screen all of The Force Awakens at some point.

For now, fans can revisit Daisy Ridley’s performances as Rey by streaming the sequel trilogy with an active Disney+ subscription Also, check out her new role as Joey Locke in the British action thriller Cleaner, which hits theaters on February 21st.

Rey Skywalker's last appearance in the Star Wars movies was in 2019's The Rise of the Skywalker, and fans haven't seen the last of her. Fortunately, it was revealed back in 2023 that as part of Lucasfilm's exciting movie plans, there's going to be a new film featuring Rey. Not only that, but Daisy Ridley is returning to play the character, who will be a Jedi master. The film's development remains ongoing and, all the while, the British actress gets real on what she’s most “looking forward to," and her comments excite me.

Daisy Ridley recently sat down with Collider to promote her 2025 movie release, Cleaner. It was probably a given that her upcoming Star Wars film would come up in the discussion. As you'd expect, the spoiler-savvy star didn't give away any concrete details, but she did discuss how she's been having an impact behind the scenes:

So she may not technically be a producer on the film, but it seems like she's been kept in the know when it comes to the story, the cast and the crew. What we know so far is the new sci-fi flick will take place fifteen years after The Rise of the Skywalker, with Rey having become a Jedi master and training Padawans in the hope of forming a new Order.

Given her new responsibilities, the Chaos Walking actress is surely working in tandem with director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who plans to approach the Star Wars spinoff by appealing to young, new audiences with a fresh crop of Force-users. Screenwriter George Nolfi also confirms a connection with George Lucas' OG trilogy in terms of human beings organizing themselves against a common enemy.

Daisy Ridley joined the Star Wars universe when she was cast in 2015's The Force Awakens as Rey, a scavenger who discovers she exhibits powers of The Force and must use them to defeat the First Order. At the end ofThe Rise of the Skywalker, Rey defeated the revived Emperor Palpatine, who she learned was her grandfather, and eventually adopted the surname "Skywalker."

Early on, the Murder on the Orient Express actress experiencing imposter syndrome over joining a beloved franchise that’s been around for over three decades. Now, however, she seems to be much more comfortable and excited as her role expands behind the scenes:

I'm really looking forward to seeing the next chapter in Rey’s journey, and Daisy Ridley's enthusiasm really has me pumped. Ridley's decision to reprise Rey was due to the fact that she loved the idea of taking the franchise in a new direction. Considering that Ridley herself is a bit older now and has more filmmaking experiences under her belt, she could theoretically serve as a mentor to any younger co-stars she has. They say life imitates art, and it'll be fun to see how Ridley grows as a creative as she works on this upcoming Star Wars movie.

While you wait for more updates on the Rey movie, do yourself a favor by grabbing a Disney+ subscription and streaming the films of the Skywalker Saga now.

Following the sequel trilogy, Lucasfilm has had a surprising amount of trouble making Star Wars movies. The franchise has remained strong on Disney+, but multiple attempts at new big-screen adventures have resulted in Star Wars movies quietly disappearing after getting announced to much fanfare. but all signs point to that finally changing. This is good news for fans looking forward to Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey.

We know at least one Star Wars movie is coming, as The Mandalorian and Grogu has completed filming. Another upcoming Star Wars movie, set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, which will see the return of Daisy Ridley’s Rey in a film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. It looks like that project will actually happen at this point, and the movie’s writer George Nolfi tells FilmStories that he will be taking significant inspiration from George Lucas’ films. At least as it regards the political themes of the franchise. He explained…

The politics of Star Wars certainly can’t be undersold. As Nolfi says, the themes of democracy falling into authoritarianism aren’t exactly subtle. The prequel trilogy is often made fun of for the fact that it opens with a political dispute over trade routes (not exactly the most exciting story in the world), but eventually we learn that the trade dispute was a key piece of an evil plot to take over the entire galaxy.

Of course, it has to be said that these days any discussion of politics in films can become fraught with controversy. A lot of movie fans feel, rightly or wrongly, that media has become too political. However, George Nolfi says his goal is to include these elements in a way that won’t appear to be a lecture to the audience. He continued…

It will certainly be interesting to see how politics are woven into this new set of films. In many ways, the First Order in the sequel trilogy just felt like the Empire over again. Will the new films simply create a new authoritarian force to attack the Republic? Or will these films find a different angle to take the story?

For about five years now, Star Wars shows on Disney+ have been the biggest way the franchise set in a galaxy far, far away has been staying afloat, with The Rise of Skywalker being the last of the released Star Wars movies in order. That said, there’s no shortage of upcoming Star Wars movies in various stages of development, including one that will bring Daisy Ridley as Rey. While that particular movie is still a long ways off, I am psyched to hear about the behind-the-scenes talent who’s come aboard.

THR has shared that George Nolfi, who’s written movies like The Bourne Ultimatum and Ocean’s 12, will pent the screenplay for the Rey movie, which is reportedly called New Jedi Order. Specific plot details for the movie remain a closely-guarded secret, as is usually the case with Star Wars projects, but in addition to the story taking place 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, the article notes that Rey will “now mentor a new crop of Jedi.” Ms. Marvel’s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still attached to direct.

It should be noted that Nolfi isn’t the first screenwriter to be attached to the Rey movie. Watchmen’s Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were working on it before Obaid-Chinoy was hired, and then after she took on the helming reins and Daisy Ridley was officially announced to be reprising Rey, Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight had taken over scripting duties. However, he was no longer attached to the Star Wars movie by October 2024, allowing Nolfi to come in.

While I’ll fully admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Ocean’s 12, The Bourne Ultimatum is my favorite of Matt Damon’s outings as Jason Bourne. George Nolfi also has sci-fi experience from both penning and directing The Adjustment Bureau, as well as further cred in the action genre with Spectral. So although we’re still mostly in the dark on what’s in store for Rey’s movie, I’d like to think that Nolfi’s involvement means there will be more of an action bent… well, at least more than what we get from most Star Wars movies.

Still, as mentioned earlier, it’ll be a long time until we see George Nolfi’s work brought to life on the big screen (assuming another writer doesn’t follow in his footsteps). The next Star Wars movie up is The Mandalorian & Grogu, which comes out on May 26, 2026. Although Disney and Lucasfilm haven’t officially announced what the next Star Wars movie will be, it was reported earlier this week that Ryan Gosling is being courted to lead Shawn Levy’s forthcoming feature. Gosling’s involvement is said to have accelerated this Star Wars movie’s development, so it will be the next to roll cameras. Hopefully Rey’s movie will come afterwards.

Keep checking back with CinemaBlend for more news on how Daisy Ridley’s next Star Wars movie is coming along. You can revisit her previous three outings as Rey by streaming the Sequel Trilogy with a Disney+ subscription.

Being the new kid on the block is always stressful, and the same can be said for the entertainment industry. Sitting in a room with a lot of talent and experience, as well as being the new generation to a long-standing franchise can be daunting. On that note, actress Daisy Ridley shared her story about the first read through for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and it’s quite relatable.

Prior to the release of The Force Awakens, the first of the Star Wars movies in order from the Disney era, actress Daisy Ridley had only played a small handful of roles. So understandably, she was nervous walking into the first read where her costars were Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, among other big names. In an interview with Empire (via ScreenRant), Ridley told the story of her first read-through, which, in her words, was made worse because of the seating arrangement:

Ridley went on to talk about how she thought her first read wasn’t close to her best. She then shared that director J.J. Abrams brought her to the side after the reading to go through it personally with her. At the time, she thought they hated her, though seeing as we saw her reprise her role two more times, clearly that was wrong.

Daisy Ridley herself has mentioned that after the release of The Force Awakens, she was unable to sleep because of the backlash and comments about her role as Rey. For Star Wars fans, Rey being a liked character goes on a person-to-person basis, and it’s not just Ridley whose character is up for heavy scrutiny. Co-star John Boyega, who played Finn, has a history with fighting back against toxic and rude fans on social media. Kelly Marie Tran, who played Rose, was so heavily bullied on social media, that she removed her accounts, and fans of Rose were disappointed to see she had little screen time in The Rise of Skywalker as a result.

While there are plenty of negative interactions Ridley has had since taking on Rey, she has also shared the good. As intimidating as it was, Ridley noted that everyone was kind, and that kindness is something that stuck with her. In the past Ridley had shared advice that Carrie Fisher gave her before her passing, and how that has helped her navigate her new fame.

Currently, Daisy Ridley is going to reprise her role as Rey in an upcoming Star Wars movie, though there’s some debate on how that will shake out. There are not many details about that new movie as of right now, so be sure to check in with us while we wait for more info. As for now, you can binge her trilogy with a Disney+ subscription.

Every now and again, a movie comes around, hits you like a ton of bricks, and then leaves you thinking about long-buried memories you forgot existed. That recently happened to me when I watched Sometimes I Think About Dying, Daisey Ridley’s quirky drama about an awkward office worker living with social anxiety. One of the most surprising experiences from the 2024 movie schedule, this imaginative and highly relatable film impacted me in ways I didn’t think were possible for a movie and was, honestly, a tremendously cathartic experience.

However, there’s one sequence that hit me really hard. Like, harder than the rest of the movie. Come with me as I explore Sometimes I Think About Dying and the stretch that helped me remember and reconcile with an experience from my young adulthood.

Sometimes I Think About Dying Impacted Me In Ways I Didn't Think Were Possible For A Movie

When I randomly put on Sometimes I Think About Dying with my Mubi subscription recently, I thought it’d be a good way to use the streaming service after finally checking out The Substance. Little did I know before pressing play, but this movie about a socially awkward office worker struggling to connect with her co-workers and pretty much everyone else in her dreary Oregon coastal town would impact me in ways I never imagined.

As someone who has battled social anxiety (and general anxiety) for most of my life, I couldn’t help but relate with Fran Larsen (Ridley) as she lived this almost self-imposed life of isolation because she couldn’t handle most social situations. Though I have worked from home for the better part of the past five years, watching the movie took me back to my days of working in an office where I would second-guess myself and stop conversations before they even started, afraid of saying something dumb or missing social cues.

Though the entire 93-minute film impacted me tremendously, there was one sequence that hit particularly hard, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.

But Fran And Robert's Awkward Date Hit Me Especially Hard

We’ve all had romantic relationships that come to an abrupt and awkward end, right? Well, the whole section of Sometimes I Think About Dying where Fran starts up a relationship with her new coworker Robert Naster (Dave Merheje) goes from being one of the most charming aspects of the movie to one of its most painfully awkward moments.

The blooming romance, which starts with some Slack messages about office supplies and movies, seems to be going well when Robert invites Fran over for dinner. The two share a quick and sweet kiss before the meal, but things take a turn when Robert reveals that he’s been married and divorced not once, but twice.

It’s not the discussion of failed relationships that hit me so hard, but instead, the painful and uncomfortable way in which the two handle the revelation and their unresolved feelings. Here we have two people who clearly like one another and share an attraction, but their failure to communicate their feelings creates a fracture that quickly turns into a gulf that is seemingly impossible to cross.

Watching Fran Spend The Rest Of The Weekend Lying On The Floor Brought Back A Long-Buried Memory

After the date goes south, Fran retreats back to her apartment and then lies on the floor, fading in and out of sleep and daydreaming for the rest of the weekend. Sad, confused, lonely, and depressed, Daisy Ridley’s character is frozen on the carpet as night turns to day and back to night again to close out the weekend. And, watching this heartbreaking yet beautifully shot sequence unfold brought back a long-buried memory of mine.

Long before I married and had kids, I went on an awkward date that brought on a confusing and murky end to what was a blossoming relationship. Not knowing what went wrong or exactly why it happened, I spent the rest of the weekend in bed consumed by confusion and apprehension as I tried to sleep it off and hide from the world. With no contact with family, friends, my roommate, or the girl I had been so excited to see just hours earlier, I watched the night turn to day and back to night.

I had forgotten all about that memory until years later when Sometimes I Think About Dying brought it back like it happened just yesterday. I still don’t remember where things went south, but those feelings of pain, confusion, and isolation came back as reminders of an episode my brain tried desperately to hide from me all those years ago.

The Way Sometimes I Think About Dying Handles These Situations Is So Honest

I was blown away by the honesty and accuracy of Sometimes I Think About Dying and how it handles Fran’s failed date, its aftermath, and all kinds of other situations throughout the movie. From the beginning of the story all the way to the movie’s emotional ending, Rachel Lambert’s drama felt honest and sincere. Whether the characters were daydreaming about dying in various ways, trying to build meaningful relationships at work and in the outside world, or coming to terms with a loved one going through a medical emergency just when they were able to start actually living life, there’s so much authenticity and care.

Lambert, through her direction, and Ridley, through her masterful acting and career-best performance, create a rare and beautiful story that doesn’t shy away from addressing anxiety, depression, death, and broken relationships. I have to commend them both, as well as everyone else involved with the movie, for being able to pull this off so effectively and meaningfully.

Overall, I Feel Like I Relate To Fran On So Many Levels

Ahead of the film’s release, Ridley explained to one of my colleagues how Sometimes I Think About Dying spoke to her. Just like the Star Wars actress, who said she recognized her as a person and understood where she was coming from, I related to Fran on so many levels throughout the movie. Knowing that I’m not the only one dealing with the anxiety, awkwardness, and confusion, was a humbling and reassuring revelation.

This isn’t me saying that I’m glad others are having struggles in life, or anything like that, but the movie did help remind me that I’m part of a wider community and that I can open up with others about these feelings and memories. Though I often feel like an island, I am actually part of something larger.

I honestly can’t wait to see what Daisy Ridley has in store, after watching such a masterful performance in Sometimes I Think About Dying. She has that mysterious upcoming Star Wars movie where she’ll reprise her role as Rey, but I’m sure there’ll be room for smaller yet equally effective films on the 2025 movie schedule and beyond.

Stream Sometimes I Think About Dying on Mubi.

Jerry Bruckheimer is responsible for some of the most popular movies ever made. From some of the best ‘80s classics, like Beverly Hills Cop and Flashdance, to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to, oh yeah, a couple of small movies called Top Gun, the producer has made so many box office hits it’s difficult to keep track of them all.

While not every Jerry Bruckheimer movie is a hit with critics, they tend to do well at the box office. Knowing that, one might expect there’s a correlation between first audience scores and eventual box office take. That’s apparently not the case because while Bruckheimer’s highest-grossing movie to date is Top Gun: Maverick, the film that was the biggest hit with test audiences was something very different.

Young Woman And The Sea Outperformed All Of Jerry Bruckheimer’s Films At Test Screenings

Unless you’re one of the few people who actually saw The Young Woman and the Sea, Daisy Ridley's film about swimmer Gertrude Ederle, when it premiered in theaters on the 2024 movie schedule, you may not have even been aware it was there. The movie was originally planned as a Disney+ release, but after a shakeup in the schedule, the film found itself premiering in cinemas.

Bruckheimer says the reason for that may have been because the movie scored better with test audiences than any other film he’s ever produced. He told THR…

As one of the few people on earth who did see Young Woman and the Sea in theaters, I concur that the film is truly excellent. Unfortunately, in this case, a great audience score did not translate to a large audience in the theaters. The film only got a limited theatrical release and didn’t do massive business even as a proportion of its size.

It’s remarkable that one of the lowest-grossing movies of Jerry Bruckheimer’s career apparently did better with test audiences than his highest-grossing. However, we actually already knew that Top Gun: Maverick didn’t blow the world away with its test screenings.

Top Gun: Maverick Wasn’t A Massive Hit With Test Audiences

Apparently, you never can tell with test audiences. While they are supposed to help give a studio an idea of how the public will react to a film, there was no expectation that Top Gun: Maverick was going to be quite the hit it ended up being. Jerry Bruckheimer revealed back in 2022 that while Maverick’s test screenings weren’t bad, they also weren’t an indication that the movie would become the phenomenon that it did. He said…

I guess what this tells us is that test audiences maybe don’t know as much as we thought. They may know a good movie when they see one, but they can’t predict a hit.

Still, they weren’t wrong about Young Woman and the Sea. It’s a great movie, and if you have a Disney+ subscription, you should go watch it right now.

Alright, *cracks knuckles*, let's get into this.

The Star Wars universe is vast in a galaxy far, far away, but you want to know what people love to hate? Rey, for some ungodly reason, and I'm kind of tired of it because people are way too hard on her – especially after I just rewatched the Star Wars sequels for the first time in a while.

Let me preface this by saying that I do not claim to be someone who grew up loving Star Wars. When I was five, my older brother and father were going to a Star Wars premiere, and I was at home playing with my American Girl dolls. I was not interested in this world until very late, probably when I began high school in 2012.

However, as someone who has been a part of the fandom for 12 years now, I have some connection to this world. I am allowed to have an opinion, and it's that everyone is way too hard on both Rey and Daisy Ridley. I really have to talk about it because it's driving me crazy.

Rey's Story Is Diminished By The Flaws Of The Sequels Around Her

Before you come at me with your pitchforks, hear me out. Rey isn't a bad character – the sequels are bad stories.

The first three Star Wars films have a rock-solid story, but then the prequels came along, and they earned a fair amount of criticism. Now, years later, people are looking at the Star Wars prequels with an air of respect, and Hayden Christensen is getting the flowers he deserves and vindication on his work– which is excellent! Ewan McGregor even got a whole series dedicated to his version of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

But I genuinely don't think the same is going to happen to Rey because the sequels' flaws diminish her story in general. There are so many moments in these movies where I genuinely scratch my head at what happened because it just doesn't make sense, and then Rey is right in the middle of it, somehow going along with what is happening.

I think the first of the sequels – The Force Awakens – set up a really good premise. We had this nobody girl who didn't have a family, didn't have a name and didn't really care for one, who was trying to survive on Jakku, and the Force called her into this crazy galactic war. It's basically the recipe for success. Heck, Luke basically started as nobody as well – it was only later that he discovered his true origin.

But as the films go on, the plot gets messier and messier, and it falls apart, taking Rey along with it.

She Didn't Have The Core Trio That Luke Had –– At Least, Not As Strong Of One

I stand by the fact that a core trio always surrounds every good movie or TV series that has a substantial freaking fandom.. The Harry Potter series had Harry, Ron and Hermione. The new Spider-Man films have Peter, Ned and M.J. One of the best anime ever, Attack on Titan, has Eren, Mikasa and Armin. It's just a staple, and the original Star Wars movies had that too with Luke, Leia and Han.

And Rey… didn't have that. She didn't have that support system.

Sure, there was Finn and Poe, but both of them felt so disconnected from Rey. Both felt like they were going on their own adventures when, most of the time, in any of these other scenarios, the trio was constantly helping each other out. I didn't feel that camaraderie with them at all.

That's a shame. I really like both Finn and Poe, as well as their actors, and I would have loved to see more friendship moments between the three of them as we saw with Luke, Leia and Han. But nope, that didn't happen.

The Movies Themselves Tried To Do Something Different, And People Hated It, But If You Do The Same Thing, People Also Hate It

At the beginning of the Sequel Trilogy, Rey was pretty much a carbon copy of Luke. Obviously, she did not have the same background, but she was a person who had nothing to do with the fight happening and was brought into it thanks to external circumstances beyond her control. The Force Awakens—which is my favorite—relied too much on the original films.

I sometimes think that's fine. If it's not broken, don't fix it, right? But Star Wars fans of all ages wanted something different, something new, a twist of some kind. You're never going to get a better plot twist than Luke finding out Darth Vader is his father, but you can try.

The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker attempted to do that with their stories, trying something new and testing out new lore—but it just fell flat, and fans hated that more. Rey didn't have that same solid storyline that protected Luke during her three movies because things kept changing so constantly. It's no wonder people found her hard to follow.

And When Has Star Wars Lore Ever Been Clean-Cut?

Star Wars lore is messy and dirty. And yet, people will blame Rey's character for her questionable family relations.

When, on God's green Earth, have we ever had a clear vision of what the entire lore of the Star Wars universe is? The only time was during the Original Trilogy, but other than that, things have been changed, redone, retconned and so much more. Now we're getting upset over something about Rey's parentage? Or Palpatine being back? Or whatever the heck it is now?

At this point, I've learned to let go. If I let go of all this lore in the back of my head and focus on the story at hand, I would enjoy the movies a lot more. Sure, it's there for information, but when there are thousands of things that are conflicting and fighting in your brain, it's time to chill.

That's how I'm able to enjoy Rey a lot more. Oh, did they change that up? Strange, but okay. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; that's the beauty of being human. But don't blame Disney for messing up the lore of this series with Rey and everything else when it's been messy for years.

I'm Nervous For Her In These Reported New Movies

Rey is not the person we need to be harping on. As someone who waited years to see a young, badass female live-action Jedi on screen (that wasn't Ahsoka Tano from The Clone Wars and Rebels), Rey was a good answer, and Daisy Ridley was a good choice.

But her character was harped down by poor story choices, poor characters around her, and sometimes lore that doesn't make sense, even if you can separate parts of it. I don't know how they're going to use her in a new series of movies.

I'm nervous for Ridley and for the character, and I hope that they deliver something great. There have been some great Star Wars projects over the last year, from The Mandalorian to Ahsoka to Andor, but will this creative team be able to bring that same amount of magic to a new franchise and make Rey the star she is supposed to be?

I don't know…but I suppose we'll have to wait and find out. I think until then, I'll rewatch the Star Wars films once more when I have the chance, and be excited for all the upcoming Star Wars movies.

2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker may have wrapped up the Skywalker Saga that had been going ever since the Star Wars franchise launched in 1977 with A New Hope, but that doesn’t mean we’re done spending time with characters from the concluding Sequel Trilogy. For a little over a year and a half, we’ve known that Daisy Ridley is reprising Rey in the upcoming Star Wars movie being directed by Ms. Marvel’s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. However, it was also reported last week that Simon Kinberg is set to produce a trilogy of movies, and now new information’s come in alleging that there’s infighting over at Lucasfilm about where Rey will end up being seen again.

It hasn’t been clarified yet if Kinberg’s Star Wars movies will be set after The Rise of Skywalker or be more of a standalone thing, and per THR, the availability of Rey is the main reason for this. The outlet reports that Ridley’s character is “key to the franchise’s next turn,” meaning that even though Kinberg’s trilogy is in the early story conception stage, this may result in it clashing with what Obaid-Chinoy is putting together for her sole movie. Although the insiders who spoke with THR denied that there’s a “battle” over Rey, they did make it clear there’s “internal deliberation” about what to do with her next, with one insider saying:

Keep in mind that although The Mandalorian & Grogu is set for release in May 2026, the title characters originate from the TV realm, with The Mandalorian being the first in the Star Wars franchise’s lineup of Disney+ subscription-exclusive programming. Whether or not they’ll thrive on the big screen too remains to be seen, but Rey already has this kind of cache from The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. And with so many of the classic Star Wars characters dead post-The Rise of Skywalker, Rey is arguably the biggest film-related “entity,” with another insider saying that “the closet is a little bare.”

The article also mentions that Rey is “set to play a role in several movies that are being developed,” but it’s unclear which ones. So maybe there’s a world where both Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s movie and Simon Kinberg’s trilogy can both make use of her, or maybe those other movies refer to the ones being put together by folks like Taika Waititi and Shawn Levy. As things currently stand with Obaid-Chinoy’s movie, it takes place 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker and follows her forming the New Jedi Order. However, Steven Knight, who’d taken over scripting duties from Damon Lindelof, exited the project last month, and the search for a new writer is ongoing.

Keep checking back with CinemaBlend with more news on what the future holds in store for Daisy Ridley in the Star Wars franchise. Next up on the slate is Skeleton Crew, which premieres December 3 on Disney+, the same platform where you can easily stream all the Star Wars movies in order.

Daisy Ridley quickly became famous at the age of 23 for taking part in some of the best Star Wars movies in years, starting with The Force Awakens. But as she became a new face of one of the biggest franchises of all time, the actress was quickly thrust into the spotlight and exposed to the double-edged sword of fame. Ridley recently recalled how one interview she did during her time promoting the Sequel Trilogy led to some fallout at the expense of her own shuteye.

Back in 2019, ahead of The Rise of Skywalker hitting theaters, Daisy Ridley was asked by The Guardian about how her “privilege” has perhaps affected how she navigates celebrity. The interview wrote that the question led Ridley to become “suddenly incredulous” and led things to “take an awkward turn.” Ridley then said her and co-star John Boyega had a “similar enough” upbringing before correcting herself that she’d gone to a performing arts boarding school on scholarship. Here’s how she reflects on the interview now:

While speaking to The Telegraph, Ridley reflected on her comments from five years ago, sharing that the interview’s contents kept her up at night because of how she felt her words were taken out of context and expressed in a way that did not reflect what she meant to say. The interview certainly could make it sound like Ridley was tone deaf to how her co-star being the son to immigrant parents from Nigeria would give them different privileges, but that was not the star’s intention.

When the interview was released, a Reddit thread on the topic showed a lot of fans siding with Ridley. One comment said the interviewer gave her a “really dumb” question, while others said it was “passive aggressive” and “nasty” toward the actress. Ridley and Boyega became fast friends on the Star Wars movies and remained close throughout their wild shared experience together of becoming big names in Hollywood with the release of The Force Awakens. (Ridley even gifted Boyega with an awesome wrap gift after they finished filming the trilogy.)

Next up, Ridley is set to reprise her role as Rey in an untitled movie that has the actress excited to return to the universe. The movie will pick up 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker at a time when Rey is training a new generation of Jedi. You can check out what other upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows are coming up next here on CinemaBlend.

Carrie Fisher was one of the most recognizable stars in Hollywood during the ‘70s and ‘80s thanks to playing one of the best characters in Star Wars. Princess Leia was incredibly prolific in the sci-fi genre for showing female empowerment in leading a rebellion and being unafraid to speak her mind. Not to mention, Fisher was an excellent role model for actresses who came into the franchise, including leadDaisy Ridley. The British actress shared a big piece of advice the Emmy nominee once gave her, saying “It takes a lot of courage” to deal with Star Wars fame.

If playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies was life-changing for Carrie Fisher, you might imagine what that would mean for Daisy Ridley playing Rey. Unlike Mark Hamill, who was considered the main hero in the George Lucas series playing Luke, Rey was the heroine for the sequel trilogy.

The talented actress was fortunate enough to get to work with Fisher before her death in 2016, and Ridley shared in a Drew Barrymore Show clip one big piece of advice for how the veteran actress helped her adjust to Star Wars fame:

Just watching the clip now, those truly were sage words of advice from the When Harry Met Sally… actress. I know I would be “stuttery” too if I found myself surprisingly walking alongside someone famous down the street. I'm sure it can be easy for celebrities to be annoyed if these interactions are happening all the time, but Ms. Fisher's perspective showed a lot of empathy and helps me to see how Star Wars ultimately became one of the most memorable and best sci-fi movies of all time.

That's particularly true when you consider a story Ms. Fisher actually told back in the day, in which she had a gross-yet-memorable fan interaction with a Star Wars lover during which the guy admitted to thinking about her four times a day for a decade. Welp.

The late actress may have had a legendary career playing a lead in Star Wars, but it wasn’t without its own consequences of fame. Fisher also told Daisy Ridley that dating was hard for her playing the galaxy princess as she had concerns people would be in it for the street cred: “I had sex with Princess Leia.”

Despite all of the obstacles the American actress faced, Carrie Fisher used her experiences in Hollywood to be a mental health advocate through her books, memoirs, and public appearances. Not to mention, the infamous star was known for being a script doctor re-writing some of her Star Wars lines and fine-tuning scripts like The Wedding Singer, Hook, and Sister Act. She’s truly an inspiration for actresses hoping to have careers with longevity in Hollywood.

Daisy Ridley previously recalled how “overwhelming” it was for her when the Star Wars movies debuted, and her latest comments to Drew Barrymore tie in similarly. She said she’d be recognized by people in public restrooms and learning about all of these new career insights like doing press junkets. But the Young Woman and the Sea actress explained that once everything slowed down, she had a great understanding of how fame worked and that now it’ll be easier for her to manage knowing what’s coming.

While the last time that Daisy Ridley played Rey was back in 2019 for Rise of the Skywalker, it looks like fame will encounter the Ophelia actress yet again when she reprises Rey for her upcoming solo movie. Even though it had been a few years since she played the female Jedi, Ridley knew she had to return to the franchise because of the excitement of revisiting the character that put her name on the Hollywood map and continuing Rey’s journey. The upcoming Star Wars flick may have lost its screenwriter, but The Marsh King’s Daughter star offered encouragement, also revealing the new movie is in “the next stages” and “we’re all good.” You can watch Ridley’s interview in full with Drew Barrymore below:

I personally hope Daisy Ridley felt very lucky to have a Star Wars muse like Carrie Fisher around to help her tackle newfound fame. You can watch the two actresses take on the First Order in the Star Wars movies available on your Disney+ subscription.

Star Wars is still one of the biggest and most successful media franchises of all time, but following Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, that success has been found entirely on television. Numerous Star Wars films have been announced over the last five years, but none of them have ever made it to the screen. Now fans are worried about the future of Daisy Ridley’s planned Rey movie, but Ridley herself seems less concerned.

The future of Star Wars movies seemed to be in a better place recently than they had been. We know The Mandalorian & Grogu is in production, so we will, barring an even bigger surprise, get at least one big screen adventure when the upcoming Star Wars movie debuts in May of 2026. However, the movie many expected to come after that, appears to have hit a snag.

Daisy Ridley’s Star Wars Movie Has Reportedly Lost Its Screenwriter

In a report from Puck News (via Variety), it seems that Steven Knight, who had taken over screenwriting duties for the untitled Star Wars movie that will star Daisy Ridley as Rey, reprising her role from the sequel trilogy, is out. The reason for his departure is unclear but Lucasfilm is actively seeking somebody to take over. Knight himself had taken over the script from Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson.

Daisey Ridley is still attached to star in the film, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still set to direct the movie. The project didn’t have an official release date yet, but since it seemed to be moving forward faster than other planned Star Wars movies, it was suspected Disney was eyeing a December 2026 release date where an “Untitled Star Wars” movie is currently slated on Disney's upcoming movie schedule.

A new screenwriter doesn’t mean the movie is starting over from scratch. More than likely whoever takes over will start with the last completed script and work from there. Still, many fans are concerned about the future since this isn’t the first time that we’ve seen a Star Wars movie struggle in the script phase. But Daisy Ridley's most recent comments seem much more positive.

What Daisy Ridley Is Saying About The New Film

At almost the same time that news of Steven Knight’s departure was being covered in the press, a new episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast was dropping that contains an interview with Daisy Ridley. Host Josh Horowitz asked Ridley about the new film, and she certainly didn't imply there were any concerns with the film, saying “We’re all good,” and that she expects things to take a step forward soon. Ridley said…

While it’s unclear when Ridley sat down for this interview, it’s also unclear exactly when Knight left the project. Regardless, Ridley could have downplayed the movie if she had any feeling that the movie would be significantly delayed, but she didn’t do that.

When we see the new Rey movie is unknown, and it certainly could be quite some time before we do if it takes a long time for the film to complete a script. However, all signs point to the movie still moving forward. And as long as the result is good, any delays will certainly be worth it.

At present, there are a lot of upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows on the way from Lucasfilm. However, perhaps the most exciting of them all is the return of Daisy Ridley’s Rey in her spinoff film, which is currently in active development. As Ridley gets ready to tell a new story in the beloved universe, she recently reflected on dealing with "overwhelming" fame when The Force Awakens launched the prequel trilogy nearly a decade ago.

While the release of Episode VII was just another walk around the block for actors like Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher at the time, it was Daisy Ridley’s first time leading a movie ever. She recalled some of her earliest experiences with the fanfare, and they truly drove home how her life was changing:

Daisy Ridley shared these memories when she spoke to French film magazine Premiere about her upcoming return to the galaxy far, far away. It's definitely fair to say that the Star Wars movies bolstered her celebrity status. Back in 2015, she became one of the most highly covered stars in Hollywood, in what seemed to be just the blink of an eye. She continued to explain those early lessons in fame and how she feels she'll handle the Rey-related buzz this time around:

Amid the interview, the Young Woman and the Sea star also clarified that she “wasn’t forced to come back” and certainly could have turned down Lucasfilm offer to do a another movie. However, when she was pitched the idea, she ultimately liked the concept. Not only that, but she also recalled how she “had a great time” working on the sequel trilogy, which made her decision to return to the fold that much easier.

Daisy Ridley also remembered that in the same week she was approached by Lucasfilm, two people had serendipitously pointed out it would be interesting to see what her Star Wars character was doing now. She previously said that she wanted to return as Rey, because the franchise brings a “lot of love and joy” to people. Of course, there’s been some sexism in Star Wars, but the actress also previously said that element of the fandom has been “blown out of proportion.”

Eventually, audiences will get to catch up with Rey in a movie that will take place 15 years after the release of Rise of Skywalker. The movie will see Rey reforming the Jedi Order, which means she'll possibly be serving as a mentor to a new generation of Force-wielders. Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has said that Rey will be the “heart” of the movie, and that definitely makes sense.

Filming has yet to kick off on the new film, but the chances are the production will get started sometime next year. Overall, it sounds Daisy Ridley is more than ready to jump back in and get to work. I'm glad that she now has perspective on the fame she experienced so many years ago and wish her well as she prepares to experience a new wave of buzz with this upcoming feature.

While you wait for the new film to open on May 20, 2026, stream the Star Wars movies in order using a Disney+ subscription.

Even the biggest and brightest stars of Hollywood have movies that they’d rather not mention being a part of in polite company. And the list you’re about to read has some of the most infamous examples of those types of projects making silver screen history…just not in the way one would have expected.

Tom Hanks - The Bonfire Of The Vanities

While we’ve seen Tom Hanks’ comments on why The Bonfire of the Vanities didn’t work, the movie’s infamy as a box office dud is something he probably doesn’t address all that often. And who could blame him, as the public considered America’s Dad to be the worst casting choice to lead a satire about the amorality of late ‘80s/early ‘90s stockbrokers.

Jamie Lee Curtis - Virus

The film adaptation of Dark Horse Comics’ Virus is uncompromisingly bad, no matter if you’re familiar with the book or not. But the most entertaining thing to come out of it was the fact that star Jamie Lee Curtis has taken every chance to roast this picture with the most cutting of remarks. It’s truly one of the best cases of entertainers who have trashed their own movies.

Michael Caine - Jaws: The Revenge

This is an example of using class and wit to politely stuff a movie like Jaws: The Revenge into the trash bin of life. Actor Michael Caine’s remarks about never seeing the film, but loving its payday, is something that always hits like the best line at a cocktail party celebrating the movies we love to loathe.

Emily Blunt - Gulliver’s Travels

History almost gave us an Iron Man 2 with Emily Blunt playing the role of Black Widow. And then contractual obligations forced Ms. Blunt to pass, in favor of starring in the Jack Black vehicle Gulliver’s Travels. So yeah, maybe it’s best not to mention this one to this star of A Quiet Place, no matter how much you think she might laugh.

Dennis Quaid - Jaws 3-D

All legendary actors have the gigs that make them, and the ones that they took so early in their career that they’d rather not think about them. Dennis Quaid’s role in Jaws 3-D more than likely falls into the latter bucket, as it’s one of the two Jaws sequels that failed to make the cut with even the franchise’s most devoted fans.

Viola Davis - The Help

Academy Award winner Viola Davis scored a nomination for her role in Tate Taylor’s film adaptation of The Help. Despite her performance’s excellence, Davis still maintains her opinion of regretting having taken part in the movie’s production, and the resulting product. 

Bill Murray - Garfield

No cinematic icon is immune to trickery, especially a trickster like Bill Murray. With his infamous Garfield casting story seeing the comedy legend mistake the movie’s writer for one of the Coen Bros, you can kind of see why he’d use his Zombieland cameo in 2009 to poke fun at the film being his only life’s regret.

Mariah Carey - Glitter

Glitter wasn’t enough of a disaster to kill Mariah Carey’s acting career, and to her credit, she went on to deliver some amazing performances in films like Lee Daniels’ Precious. But whoo-boy, does this musical drama still sting to think about from time to time? 

Elijah Wood - North

While there’s an interesting selection of beloved films Roger Ebert absolutely hated, North is one of the flops that the legendary film critic rightfully roasted. Though it definitely wasn’t Elijah Wood’s fault, it’s probably best if you don’t approach him about this one without some sort of care. 

Jennifer Lopez - Gigli

As a legendary turkey in the world of infamously bad movies, even Gigli’s director Martin Brest has pointed thoughts about that epic fail. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s colossal dud of a rom-com has more than earned its place on the bad side of history, and one could bet that even its mere mention would inspire the most withering side eye from J.Lo herself. 

George Clooney - Batman & Robin

If there’s a constant in George Clooney’s career as an entertainer, it’s his regret over Batman and Robin. Stepping in after Val Kilmer bolted on Joel Schumacher’s second Gotham-based tentpole, you can bet the ER heartthrob wishes he could use a time machine to go back and prevent this experience from ever happening. 

Renee Zellweger - Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation

Out of the Oscar-winning pair of Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey, it’s a safe bet that Ms. Zellweger would be the one who’d want to keep Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation off the table of discussion. Then again, she might be a bit more relaxed on the subject since so much time has passed. 

Robert Downey Jr. - The Shaggy Dog

Early on in his mid-Aughts comeback, Robert Downey Jr. diversified his acting portfolio with everything from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang to Good Night, and Good Luck. And mixed in with the lot was his role as the antagonist in Tim Allen’s remake of The Shaggy Dog. Downey would probably talk about the movie if asked, but one has to wonder what he’d say? 

Emma Watson - The Circle

For someone like Emma Watson, an actor who chooses their projects with a level of mindfulness and message in mind, The Circle must have seemed like a good choice. But the eventual public reaction to the film may have caused the Harry Potter vet to think twice even before approaching source material with names as storied as author Dave Eggers and director James Ponsoldt attached. 

Eddie Murphy - The Adventures of Pluto Nash

The Adventures of Pluto Naash is a habitual punching bag when folks choose to talk about the most infamous disasters in movie history. And thanks to that distinction, even the very open Eddie Murphy wouldn’t be mistaken for keeping this sci-fi/comedy flameout away from the conversation. 

Lucy Liu - Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is an infamous movie without even taking into account that it somehow managed to snag the star power of Lucy Liu into its clutches. Admittedly, so few people remember this one that it doesn’t feel like she’d have to be on guard for random fans mentioning its existence. 

Matt Damon - The Great Wall

You might think that the “white savior” worries of Matt Damon’s character in The Great Wall are the reason he might not want to talk about this massive box office dud. But the fact of the matter is, he’d probably politely decline any discussion on the matter because it was a thundering failure that didn’t really win him any new fans.

Jennifer Lawrence - Dark Phoenix

How much did Jennifer Lawrence distance herself from the X-Men movies by time she made Dark Phoenix? Well, not only was her time in makeup severely reduced/scaled back in quality, but she died quite early in the final X-Men prequel from the Fox days. Maybe that's part of why the two-part structure was abandoned prior to its release. 

Sylvester Stallone - Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot

It’s the movie so bad that Arnold Schwarzenegger tricked Sylvester Stallone into starring in it. Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot is still a punch line for the Rocky franchise star/director, even decades after the film was released and tanked. One has to wonder how awkward some of those Planet Hollywood openings were, thanks to this awkward piece of history existing.

Lily Collins - Rules Don’t Apply

Actor Lily Collins is a talent that has the old Hollywood look down to a tee and isn’t afraid to show it. That confidence is probably what got her cast in Warren Beatty’s misguided rom-com Rules Don’t Apply, and to be fair, she and co-star Alden Ehrenreich are two of the only bright spots in this mostly forgettable throwback. 

Eddie Redmayne - Jupiter Ascending

If anyone is ready to admit Eddie Redmayne’s Jupiter Ascending performance is bad, it’s the man himself. While some might be inclined to give him more credit for his work in the Wachowski’s far-flung space opera, Redmayne’s criticisms of his role do come with some important caveats. 

Jennifer Hudson - Sandy Wexler

Adam Sandler is a talent who’s able to draw a wide range of actors into his orbit, and his Netflix movie Sandy Wexler was no exception. Playing a talent agent who knows a good client when he sees one, Jennifer Hudson is one of the people he rightfully tries to fast-track to fame. By no means does that proper judgment mean that this movie is something she, or most viewers, would even remember.

Hugh Jackman - Pan

Some flops crash and burn with very little trace of the wreckage. Others, like the Hugh Jackman starring Peter Pan adaptation Pan, collapse under ill-fated ambitions that don’t end up adding up in the end. But at least we got Jackman’s Captain Hook singing “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” in a totally bonkers musical number.

Pedro Pascal - Wonder Woman 1984

Pedro Pascal is almost universally recognized as one of, if not the best part of Wonder Woman 1984. That still feels like a far cry from something The Mandalorian star would even want to discuss, as its infamy is something that still echoes pretty strongly so close to its initial execution.

Dame Judi Dench - Cats

You can always count on an acting talent as iconic as Dame Judi Dench to tell it like it is. And whether it was reacting to her Razzie award nomination or the final look of her character in 2019’s Cats, she certainly hasn’t left any of her thoughts to the imagination. 

Daisy Ridley - Chaos Walking

One would probably think that Daisy Ridley would merely not want to remember Chaos Walking because of its unsuccessful bid for box office success. However, the protracted production and crazy amounts of reshoots and edits have probably ensured that the Star Wars vet has actually forgotten the ins and outs of this failed YA franchise.

Ben Kingsley - A Sound of Thunder

You don’t get to be an actor as legendary as Ben Kingsley without logging some seriously wild projects like A Sound of Thunder on your resume. This 2005 sci-fi disaster is so ill-regarded that its Game Boy video game adaptation is seen as a more favorable experience. That’s both terribly unique and just plain old terrible. 

Brendan Fraser - Monkeybone

Brendan Fraser is a lovable actor who knows how, and when, to get goofy. It’s just a shame that a project like Monkeybone never understood how to use those skills to its advantage, saddling The Mummy star with a movie that he more than likely hasn’t thought about for some time. 

Scarlett Johansson - Ghost In The Shell

There are some who might defend the live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell starring Scarlett Johansson. Considering how much the movie has been rejected by even the source anime’s fans, and the kerfluffle that came from her casting as Major Mira Killian being seen as a bit of whitewashing, this project is probably one that the Marvel veteran would reasonably remain silent on.

Keanu Reeves - 47 Ronin

It’s not Keanu Reeves’ fault that 47 Ronin was a stinker for the ages. Although if one were to mention the movie to him in passing, he’d probably just smile and laugh, charmingly admitting defeat in that particular case of cinematic disaster. 

Will Smith - Gemini Man

What’s worse than a movie failing with one Will Smith in the starring role? Apparently, a technologically advanced picture like Gemini Man, which saw Smith playing against a CGI de-aged younger version of himself. Finally, a movie that rivals Wild Wild West for infamy on Mr. Smith’s resume.

Jack Nicholson - How Do You Know?

Jack Nicholson has been comfortably retired ever since making 2010’s How Do You Know? One has to wonder if he’d be equally as comfortable if he were to be prompted to remember the experience and the fallout that came from its release into theaters. 

As you can see, even the most talented of actors have their potential sore spots in conversation. Maybe they're not as shy about discussing these films as we'd think, and you can get a good story out of the deal. In any case, if there was a class of losers that the best and brightest of Hollywood wished they could forget, this is more than a formidable crop of titles that would fit that bill for good reason.

In The Young Woman and the Sea, Daisy Ridley plays Trudy Ederle, the first woman to ever swim the English Channel. This meant that Ridley, who gave the movie a shoutout during a recent Disneyland trip, spent a lot of time in the water. As it turns out though, the actress is in even more of the movie than you might think, which was something of a problem for the production.

Following its theatrical release, the new Disney movie The Young Woman and the Sea arrives on Disney+ today. It’s a powerful film with a strong performance by Daisy Ridley. CinemaBlend attended a press conference for the Disney+ release that included director Joachim Rønning. He explained that while he did have body doubles for Daisy Ridley, she did her own swimming, and he ended up using her in most of the film because the actress's swimming was so unique he couldn’t use anybody else. He explained…

Daisy Ridley’s powerful swimming probably looked best on camera to give the swimming scenes a bit more energy. But beyond that, if nobody else can swim like Ridley, then it becomes difficult to use body doubles, as it would be more obvious when the actress wasn’t the one on screen, as the style of swimming could change from one shot to the next.

Filming was difficult because you have a character whose face you can’t see during the most intense moments of the story. Of course, that becomes an even bigger issue when the actor floats away from the cameras. Since The Young Woman and the Sea was filmed on open water, the boats and the actor would occasionally find themselves separated. Rønning continued…

The fact that currents were going to be an issue wasn’t a surprise, and the production tried to prepare for them as best it could. There was a lot that needed to be dealt with, which Joachim Rønning admits was quite stressful, though it was perhaps fitting because it wasn’t that different from what the real Truy Ederle had to deal with. The director explained…

Daisy Ridley is great in The Young Woman and the Sea, and knowing that even when you can’t see her, it’s still her in the water doing much of the swimming makes the performance that much more powerful. You can watch The Young Woman and the Sea with a Disney+ subscription now.

Disneyland is a place where all are welcome, including celebrities themselves. Daisy Ridley is the latest actor to visit the “Happiest Place on Earth” and even took time out of her busy trip to share some highlights from Disneyland attractions with her followers. While the internet is busy freaking out about her visiting Galaxy’s Edge given her connection playing Rey, the best moment from her recent trip actually has nothing to do with Star Wars. 

After spending time in Disneyland, Ridley hopped across the esplanade and entered Disney’s California Adventure where she was welcomed by a very familiar song. At the end of Buena Vista Street, the Five & Dime jazz band was playing an important song from Ridley’s newest film Young Woman and the Sea. The clip was originally shared on the actress’s Instagram stories and was reposted by @Scavenger_Jakku on X (formally known as Twitter). Take a listen: 

Unfortunately, Young Woman and the Sea has only been released in a limited amount of theaters, so it’s likely not many are aware of how special “Ain’t We Got Fun” is to Ridley and her character Truly. But it’s very important. It’s featured several times, including in a memorable scene where Ridley plays the song endlessly on the ukulele until her father agrees to let her learn how to swim. 

Getting to hear the song live, I’m sure, was a surreal experience, but it would have been even more iconic if Ridley had joined the jazz band on stage. That would certainly get people talking about Young Woman and the Sea and maybe even get them to catch the film, which centers on the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel, before it leaves theaters and ends up on a streaming service. 

Of course, Ridley also had some iconic Star Wars moments while visiting Walt Disney's original theme park. She kicked things off with a video of herself waiting in the queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. In the short video, the actress can be seen waiting in the room where guests are prepped for their mission. All of a sudden, a Ray hologram appears, and Ridley slowly turns to the camera with the biggest smile on her face. 

The Force Awakens actress is obviously familiar with the lines Rey says, having filmed the hard scenes herself for the ride but judging by her excitement, this was the first time she got to experience the hologram in real life. It’s an incredible moment for any Star Wars fans so I can only imagine how thrilling it must have been for her. 

As if getting to see herself in one of the best Disneyland attractions of all time isn’t cool enough, Ridley also got to interact with some beloved characters, including herself. In a second photo, the actress can be seen chatting with the Rey and Chewbacca costumed cast member who roams around Galaxy’s Edge. 

Oh, to be a fly on the wall during that conversation! What makes the experience even better is that it didn’t happen backstage, meaning the interaction wasn’t staged. She was just in the right place at the right time since Rey and Chewbacca roam around the immersive theme park land at random hours of the day. Here’s hoping we’ll get a real-life Rey and Chewy moment in the upcoming Star Wars movie, in which Ridley will be reprising her role.

Ridley has been open about her emotional reaction to seeing herself as Rey for the first time, so I’m sure a tear or two was shed during the wholesome interaction. After all, it’s not every day an actor gets to interact with the character they’ve dedicated years of their life to bring to life on screen or hear a pivotal song from their film in the theme park. 

You can catch Young Woman and the Sea in select theaters now and stream all the best Star Wars movies with an active Disney+ subscription. 

There are popular movie franchises, and then there's Star Wars. Generations grew up with the galaxy far far away, resulting in a giant and passionate fanbase. But while the property has continued to expand on the small screen for those with a Disney+ subscription, fans are looking forward to upcoming Star Wars movies finally hitting theaters. Chief among them is the Rey solo movie, and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy recently explained how she's approaching Daisy Ridley's spinoff. 

When Lucasfilm revealed plans for a new Star Wars trilogy, it was confirmed that Daisy Ridley would be back as Rey, following up from the ending of The Rise of Skywalker. Fans are eager to see what comes next for the fan favorite character, and during a conversation at Sirius XM, Obaid-Chinoy addressed the way she's continuing the beloved space opera. In her words: 

There you have it. Lucasflim is always trying to appeal to new, young audiences, and Obaid-Chinoy thinks the key to that in the new trilogy is Rey. After all, Daisy Ridley's character is all over Disney theme parks. And who doesn't want to see her character start a new Jedi order? Fingers crossed that she's joined by John Boyega's Finn, who can finally begin his training. 

Exactly what's going to go down in the Rey movie is a mystery at the time of writing his story, but it's arguably the most highly anticipated movie from the current trilogy. The other two movies are set in other points of the timeline, and will presumably introduce a slew of new characters for fans to get to know. 

While the Rey movie is still in the development stage, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has already praised her work with Lucasfilm including Kathleen Kennedy. This is likely a very good sign, as the studio has clashed with filmmakers before. Case in point: original Solo directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were fired after production had already begun.

The sequel trilogy had very few Jedi in play; it was mostly just Rey and Luke. While this made the stakes of the conflict agains the First Order high, some fans wanted to see a return to the dizzying lightsaber duels from the prequels. It should be fascinating seeing Rey go from student to teacher, especially if Finn is there along the way. 

The Rey movie doesn't have a release date yet, but clearly work is being done behind the scenes. While we wait for more information, check the 2025 movie release dates. 

Daisy Ridley knows a thing or two about what it takes to wield a lightsaber. Though it’s been five years since The Rise of Skywalker's ending tied up the Sequel Trilogy and overall Skywalker Saga era of Star Wars movies in order, she hasn’t forgotten how to use one of these weapons against her enemies... even when those enemies are small children.

In a recent interview with magicfm, the actress shared a heartwarming story about how she agreed to have a lightsaber battle with her friend’s 5-year-old. Listen:

Having starred in three Star Wars movies and getting ready to appear in the new Rey-centric film that is in early development, it’s no secret that Ridley knows her way around a lightsaber. It’s a fact she even warned the child about before agreeing to duel him. In her words:

Ridley’s character Rey takes part in one of the best lightsaber duels in all of Star Wars history when she faces off against Kylo Ren in The Rise of Skhywalker. And that’s just one of the villains she had to wield her weapon against over the course of the Sequel Trilogy.

However, training for an epic battle with Sith Lords and other enemies deep in the Dark Side ideology is a lot different than facing off against a child. There may not have been a lot of time to prepare, but she made sure to adjust her head space when agreeing to the face-off. She continued:

While most people would look at Ridley’s level of training and experience with the sci-fi weapon and reconsider their proposal, but this 5-year-old wasn’t backing down. To make things somewhat fair, she did give him a few tips she’s learned along the way and laid some ground rules to ensure that the duel was fair — something that never happens in the Star Wars movies. As the actress put it:

Jedi and young children don’t have the best track record when it comes to lightsaber battles (except Grogu, who managed to survive Order 66), so it’s nice to hear Ridley talk about the duel in a positive light — especially with no one getting hurt. Unfortunately, there is no footage of the epic duel, so fans are going to have to revisit the Sequel Trilogy with an active Disney+ subscription if they want to see her lightsaber skills in action.

Don’t forget to keep checking back for information about the upcoming Star Wars movies and TV show, like the Rey-centric film. Little is known about it, but Ridley has assured fans that she should be getting the script any day now. Maybe the 5-year-old knows something we don’t, and it was the first step in her training to be Rey once again.

As Daisy Ridley’s latest movie, Young Woman And The Sea, is set to hit theaters this weekend, the actress celebrated the film by attending the London premiere. While walking the red carpet for the glamorous event, she wore a gorgeous dress fit for the Dark Side, and it’s just too good!

After strutting a baby blue gown at the world premiere one week ago, Daisy Ridley did a 180 when it comes to fashion choices by rocking a black leather dress and slicked-back hair. Check it:

It’s giving Dark Rey vibes! Daisy Ridley’s London premiere dress has a deep neckline, puffed sleeves and a corseted middle tied up with a belt buckle. She styled the bold dress, which is a custom Atsuko Kudo, with pointed white high heels. She also wore light blue earrings, black winged eyeliner and her hair super slicked back. If she wasn’t best known for the Star Wars movies, we might liken the look to The Matrix as well!

Young Woman and the Sea is the latest of the upcoming Disney movies on the 2024 release calendar, as it hits theaters this Friday, May 31. The movie has Ridley portraying Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, who became the first woman to swim the 21 miles across the English Channel back in 1926. Prior to the accomplishment, the American competitive swimmer won a gold medal during the 1924 Summer Olympics while competing as part of the U.S. team in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay.

The new movie was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who had been trying to adapt the non-fiction book of the same name since he acquired the rights in 2015. Cinderella’s Lily James was initially attached to the role, but Daisy Ridley ended up taking the helm and playing the famous figure instead. You can check out the Young Woman and the Sea trailer below:

Following the release of the biopic, Daisy Ridley is set to reprise her role of Rey Skywalker in a spinoff focused on the character that is currently in the works. According to the actress’ previous update in April, she has seen a script for her next Star Wars movie, and production will soon be underway on the flick.

Ridley said goodbye to the Star Wars franchise back in 2019 when Rise Of Skywalker hit theaters. As the actress recently told ReelBlend co-host Jake Hamilton, she went through a “mourning period” around finishing the franchise and is looking forward to playing her iconic character again. According to reports, the movie will take place 15 years after the events of the Sequel Trilogy as Rey tries to “rebuild the Jedi Order.”

As we get ready to see her in Young Woman and the Sea, Daisy Ridley absolutely slayed this leather look!

Tom Cruise is known far and wide as an actor who gets very involved in the movies he makes. He does all his own stunts, and even knows how to fly planes, making sure that anytime you see him on screen doing basically anything, it’s really him. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer says that actors being this involved is growing and it really helps the movie.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced this weekend's Young Woman and the Sea starring Daisy Ridley as Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim the English channel. He compared the movie with Top Gun: Maverick saying that both films strongly convey their emotional core due to how real they are. In the case of Top Gun, that was driven home by the fact that Tom Cruise was really flying. Bruckheiner told THR…

In a lot of cases, actors aren’t really the ones doing anything that could be conceived as dangerous. Often they’re not allowed to, as the star of a movie being hurt can delay production, which costs money. Even Tom Cruise, who broke an ankle filming a Mission: Impossible movie, knows that. 

But Bruckheimer says that other actors are following in Cruise’s footsteps. When you watch the Young Woman and the Sea trailer, Daisy Ridley is the one doing the swimming. Brad Pitt also took the time to learn how to drive F1 for an upcoming film. Bruckheimer continues…

Daisy Ridley apparently spent four months training with Olympic swimmers in order to play the role of Trudy Ederle. The production could have saved a lot of time and money if the movie had simply used professional swimmers in most of the shots. But Bruckheimer believes that the emotion of the movie can be lost doing things that way.

There’s certainly some truth to that. We know Tom Cruise is out there doing his own stunts, and that perhaps makes them that little bit more thrilling. Maybe because the actor is the one performing the task, it makes the acting easier for them, and that conveys the emotion better to an audience. 

There's every reason to believe that Jerry Bruckheimer is on to something. Young Woman and the Sea is getting glowing reviews from critics, with Daisy Ridley's performance getting special recognition. The emotion of the film is quite powerful. If Daisy Ridley being "real" is the reason, then hopefully more actors will follow suit.

Daisy Ridley is getting ready to return to a galaxy far, far away! If you can believe it, it’s already been almost five years since Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker capped off the sequel trilogy. Now, the sprawling franchise is moving forward with a number of upcoming Star Wars projects, with one being a movie centered around the character of Rey. Ridley has shared (non-spoilery) details about her return to the role of the Jedi and, while discussing it during a recent chat, she revealed the "mourning" period she experienced after finishing her first three films.

The actress spoke to one of the hosts of our own ReelBlend Podcast, Jake Hamilton (for his YouTube channel Jake’s Takes), as she promotes her latest film, Young Woman and the Sea. When Jake asked her about how her current mindset regarding Rey compares to what it was when she left the character several years ago, the star said the following:

One can definitely understand why she'd feel those emotions after finishing up her initial tenure as Rey, who took on the surname Skywalker at the end of the 2019 movie. Not only was Daisy Ridley saying goodbye to the role, but she was also bidding farewell to a steady job she'd had for several years. So how does she feel now that a few years have passed? Well, she told Jake the following:

As of late, the British actress has not only been starring in more projects outside the Star Wars universe, she’s been producing a lot more as well. In the past few years, she has starred and produced Sometimes I Think About Dying and Magpie. Some of her other upcoming movies include an action flick called Cleaner and a survival thriller titled We Bury The Dead. More immediately, Young Woman And The Sea sees her portray Gertrude Ederle, who became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. All in all, the sports biopic provides the actress with yet another opportunity to stretch her wings as a performer.

Of course, there's still plenty of excitement surrounding her return to the George Lucas-birthed franchise. At Star Wars Celebration 2023, it was announced that Daisy Ridley would be back in a Rey movie of her own. Since, she has teased the movie by sharing that she's awaiting a script and considering the challenges of stepping back into her iconic role. The movie, which is being directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is said to take place 15 years from the events of The Rise of Skywalker and during a time at which the Jedi are in “disarray.” Apparently, Rey will also try to “rebuild the Jedi Order” as she promised Luke. 

Daisy Ridley may have mourned the end of the first stage of her journey in the sci-fi franchise, but it sounds like she needed that time away from it all. Here's hoping everything goes well as she prepares to don her lightsaber once more. The film is set to be released in 2026 but, in the meantime, check out Young Woman And The Sea, which hits theaters on May 31 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. The next Star Wars series, The Acolyte, premieres on Disney+ on June 4 as well!

There are major movie franchises, and then there's Star Wars. Generations have grown up with the galaxy far far away, and it's constantly being rewatched by those with a Disney+ subscription. While some fans debate how the Star Wars movies rank by quality, others are looking forward to what upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows are coming down the line. Chief among them is the developing Rey movie, with actress Daisy Ridley explaining why she's returning and when she's getting the script. Spoiler alert: it's soon. 

When Lucasfilm announced plans for a new trilogy, fans were hyped that Rey would be returning, and picking up the story from the ending of The Rise of Skywalker. Not much is known about the blockbuster, with theories already circulating online. The 32 year-old actress recently spoke to Empire about the mysterious project, offering:

Well, that explains why she decided to give Star Wars another try, and once again portray Rey in live-action for her own solo movie. While the sequel trilogy is one that's gotten a ton of fan criticism over the years, she ultimately thinks that the franchise brings joy to people. And she wants to continue doing that as everyone's favorite scavanger turned Jedi. 

Of course, there's so much chatter online about the Rey movie because of the lack of concrete information we have about it. All that's known is that it'll continue her story after the sequel trilogy, and follow as Rey attempts to start a new Jedi order. The story will soon become clear to Daisy Ridley, who shared how soon the script is coming to her:

Do you hear that sound? It's Star Wars fans collectively cheering. It's been a few years since the franchise has been in movie theaters, with the stories instead being told with various live-action shows on Disney+. So seeing forward movement on the movie side of things is definitely thrilling, especially since with Daisy Ridley back as Rey. 

Personally, I'm hoping that John Boyega returns as Finn, and that character finally gets his Jedi training. He was teased throughout the trilogy to be Force sensitive, but unfortunately the movies never followed through on that promise. 

The only Star Wars movie with an expected release date is The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22, 2026. For now, check the 2024 movie release dates. 

There are poplar movie franchises, and then there's Star Wars. Generations grew up with the galaxy far, far away, so there's an absolutely massive fanbase who see each new movie (plus shows that are available with a Disney+ subscription). There are some exciting upcoming Star Wars projects headline down the line, including a movie starring Daisy Ridley's Rey. And the 32 year-old actress revealed the challenge to stepping back into her role years after the ending of The Rise of Skywalker.  

When Lucasfilm revealed plans for a new trilogy, fans were thrilled that it included a project following Rey as she attempts to start a new Jedi Order. There hasn't been much more information about that movie shared with the public, but anticipating is steadily building. Ridley spoke to our sister site Total Film about wielding a lightsaber again as her signature character, offering:

There you have it. Clearly Ridley has some complicated feelings about her return to Star Wars as Rey. While she's seemingly hyped to get back in the game, she also knows its going to be a wildly different experience to the Star Wars sequel trilogy. And that includes the group of people who will be making up its cast and crew. 

Daisy Ridley and company worked on three Star Wars movies in quick succession, so the cast and crew understandably got quite close throughout those years of wild locations and long hours. But a new group will likely be assembled for her Rey movie, which should be a major change. 

Not much is known about what that forthcoming Star Wars movie will include, so fans and debating what might go down when the franchise finally returns to the big screen. Perhaps the most popular fan theory is that Finn will finally get his Jedi training, which was a promise the sequel trilogy set up and didn't follow through on. We'll just have to wait and see if/when John Boyega ends up signing on for the project.

For now fans will have to be patient and re-watch all the current Star Wars content on Disney+. While we wait, check out the 2024 movie release dates. 

When The Rise of Skywalker ended the Skywalker Saga era of the Star Wars movies in order in 2019, it seemed as though that’d be the last we’d see of characters like Daisy Ridley’s Rey, John Boyega’s Finn and Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron. Well, not so in Rey’s case, as it was announced last year that Ridley will return to a galaxy far, far away in an upcoming Star Wars movie centered on her character 15 years after Episode IX. Ridley knew this new Star Wars movie was something she “wanted to do” right away, but it will also entail her taking a “different” approach compared to when she started on the Sequel Trilogy.

In the midst of drawing attention in recent months for her roles in The Marsh King’s Daughter and the 2024 movie release Sometimes I Think About Dying, as well as soon being seen in Young Woman and the Sea, Ridley has been giving a lot of thought to how she’ll be performing Rey this time around, and this time she’s “coming in a bit more eyes wide open.” As the actress told Empire:

You have to remember that when Daisy Ridley was cast as Rey for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, she’d only been acting for a few years, with her credits being comprised of minor roles in British TV shows like Mr. Selfridge and Casualty, short films and the movie Scrawl, although that wasn’t even released to the public until 2019. So Episode VII essentially marked her feature film debut, and at just 22 years old when it began filming, it’s no wonder she didn’t feel like an adult then. But since then, along with shooting two other Star Wars movies, Ridley has expanded her resume with fare like Murder on the Orient Express, Ophelia and Chaos Walking.

So it’s understandable that being in a much different place in her professional life now will require Ridley to approach playing Rey different, and that’s not even accounting for how this Star Wars movie will follow the character constructing the new Jedi Order (although that doesn’t sound like it’s a plot point 100% set in stone). But as we approach the 10-year anniversary of the actress’ Star Wars debut, she still has a lot of affection for the franchise, saying:

Aside from Daisy Ridley’s involvement, all we officially know about this still-to-be-titled Star Wars movie is that it’s being directed by Ms. Marvel’s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight. In January, Ridley said she didn’t know if any other Sequel Trilogy characters will appear in the flick, and we also have no idea when it will even be released. Currently the only Star Wars movie on the theatrical calendar is The Mandalorian & Grogu slated for May 22, 2026, so it may be a while until more concrete updates on this project’s status come rolling in.

For now though, a Disney+ subscription is required for streaming the released Star Wars movies and staying current on the franchise’s TV offerings. Next up on the franchise’s lineup is Tales of The Empire, which dropped its first trailer and premieres May 4.

There are long-running franchises, and then there's Star Wars, which has generations of fans. Those fans have been watching the galaxy far, far away expand through projects available with a Disney+ subscription. Luckily Lucasfilm announced a new trilogy, including a project that will star Daisy Ridley's Rey. The 31 year-old actress recently responded to rumors about that upcoming Star Wars project, and now I'm so confused.

Since its announcement, there have been a number or rumors about the Rey movie, including titles that Lucasfilm shut down. The announcement and early reports indicated the film will follow Ridley's character as she forms a new Jedi order. But when she was asked about this by Collider, the Chaos Walking star cast some doubt, saying:

Well, now I'm confused. I thought Rey starting her own Jedi Order was a sure thing for the mysterious blockbuster, even if we know nothing else. But Daisy Ridley is making no promises, and is seemingly waiting for the script before confirming any plot details. Could we be getting another movie entirely? Only time will tell.

Ridley's comments are sure to go viral for Star Wars fans, especially those who were counting their Jedi chickens before they hatched. If the new Rey flick doesn't actually see her forming a new order, what could that project be about? 

Obviously there are no answers right now, as Star Wars is known for its tight security. And since Ridley herself doesn't know her upcoming solo flick will go down. Hopefully that script gets in her hands soon, and Lucasfilm can confirm exactly what's happening with Rey when she returns to the big screen.

The new trilogy of Star Wars movies contains three movies set during very different points in the official timeline. In the announcement it was revealed that Rey's movie would be set after The Rise of Skywalker's ending, which saw Rey change her last name and continue Luke and Leia's legacy. 

The idea of Rey being a Jedi Master is definitely a thrilling one, and there are plenty of fans who want to see John Boyega's Finn return to finally get his own training. Alas, that hasn't been officially confirmed yet by the studio. 

While it's been a few years since Star Wars was on the big screen, there are a number of projects coming down the line. In addition to the announced trilogy, Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian and Grogu is in development. Taika Waitti is also attached to helm his own project, but the timeline on that is unclear. 

The Star Wars franchise is currently streaming in its entirety on Disney+. While we wait for movie news, check out the 2024 movie release dates. 

The brand new, revamped and rebooted DC Universe (DCU) has opened up endless possibilities. A new Superman has already been cast and is ready to take flight in the first movie in the new universe, which is replacing the old DC Extended Universe (DCEU). 

Producer James Gunn has shown he has a clear vision to wipe away most of the past and move forward with new actors and new stories, so for the purposes of this daydreaming, we're going to leave out the great actors who have appeared in DC-related films in the past, including the most recent movies starring the likes of Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Ben Affleck, though we're not against them returning, too. 

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is one of the biggest stars in the world, and also one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. He's the kind of actor you could cast in almost any role and you just know he'd hit it out of the park. He could play a hero or a villain and audiences would be transfixed no matter what. We probably want him as one of the most famous heroes though, someone befitting his star status. 

Daisy Ridley

We know she can carry a franchise, and we know she's a tough woman, so Daisy Ridley just has to find her way into the DCU. Of course, she'd have to be a hero, but who knows, maybe a change of pace from the Star Wars movies could be cool and she could play a villain. Either way, she has to have powers greater than The Force. 

Tom Cruise

It's time. It's hard to believe Tom Cruise has never been in a superhero movie. One of, in not the, biggest action stars of the last few decades still has that "hole" on his resume and it's time it got filled. Of course, we'd all love to see Cruise as a hero, but it would be awesome for him to be in any role, even a cameo like his turn in Tropic Thunder. Just get him in there, James Gunn! 

Jennifer Lawrence

Sure, Jennifer Lawrence appeared in the X-Men franchise, but that was years ago, and the comic book movie scene is a whole lot different today. Lawrence is a perfect fit for any number of roles, and even though she's great as Mystique, what about a hero as big as Wonder Woman or Black Canary? Surely she'd be fantastic. 

John Krasinski

John Krasinski delighted fans with his cameo as Dr. Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. MCU fans have been dying to see him as Mister Fantastic in the Fantastic 4 in the future, but so far, there's only been cold water thrown on the idea. That opens up the DCU for the former The Office star and he needs to step in. 

Zendaya

There isn't a bigger star on the scene right now than Zendaya. Sure, she's played MJ in the MCU and Spider-Man movies, but let's give her some real superpowers and let her run wild in the DCU. 

Jacob Elordi

Sure, Jacob Elordi says he's not interested in playing a superhero, having turned down an opportunity to read for Superman in the new DCU, but that doesn't mean we can't dream, right? There are so many heroes in the universe he could play. Elordi has been a hit in recent years with his role on HBO's Euphoria and movies like Saltburn and Pricilla, so he doesn't really need to be in the DCU, but we need him to be. 

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet has a knack for picking great roles for himself. At this point, he can pick and choose anything he wants, given how often his movies are hits. Chalamet could probably just tell James Gunn what role he wanted and they'd find a way for it to happen. So let's do it! 

Meryl Streep

Let's be real, there is nothing Meryl Streep can't do. The greatest actor of her generation, bar none, and yet, she's never appeared in a superhero movie. She's flirted with the idea, according to some reports, and she even did the Wakanda salute at the 2024 Golden Globes, but alas, we still haven't seen her in one. The new DCU must have a spot for her, right?

Patina Miller

Patina Miller has won a Tony and she's starred in two hit shows (Madam Secretary and Power Book III: Raising Kanan), but she hasn't broken big on the big screen, aside from an important but too-brief role in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and it's time that changed. She looks like a superhero and can act her socks off, so let's make it happen, let's make her a star in the DCU. 

Adam Driver

As Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequels, Adam Driver showed he could play a first-rate villain. Now it's time to see him play a hero. Any hero, pick one, it doesn't matter, he'd kill it. Batman? For sure. Superman? Well, that role is taken, but yes. Aquaman? Oh yes. Martian Manhunter? Check. Wonder Woman? Sure, why not, he's got the hair for it. Let's go! 

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg may be aging gracefully and while he says he's ready to play grandpa roles, we think he'll never be too old for a spot in the DCU. Somehow he's never been in either the MCU or any of the DC-related properties, so the time is right. 

Cailee Spaeny

She may not jump off the page as a possible superhero, but don't forget that Cailee Spaeny starred in Pacific Rim Uprising and clearly has the chops to be in a big action flick. She's an up-and-coming superstar and jumping into the DCU now would be perfect timing. 

Alan Ritchson

Reacher's Alan Ritchson is over six feet tall and built like a monster truck, is there anyone in Hollywood more perfect to play an intimidating villain in a comic book movie? Sure, he could play a superhero, too, but being a villain would be an awesome departure from his character on Reacher and it would be a ton a fun. And again, just look at the guy! 

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown had an all-too-brief role as T'Chala's traitorous brother N'Jobu in Black Panther and it's high time he gets a chance to sink his teeth into a bigger superhero role. How about John Stewart/Green Lantern in the DCU? Brown has even campaigned for the role, so really, it's a perfect opportunity to get him into the DC Universe, it needs to happen, so we're putting it out there into the universe again. 

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage has dabbled in superhero movies in the past, playing the villain, Bolivar Trask, in X-Men: Days of Future Past, as Eitri in Avengers: Infinity War, and as the Toxic Avenger, but it leaves us all wanting more. Let's be honest here, anything Dinklage does is awesome, so getting him into the DCU somehow would be amazing. He's also pretty good at carrying a wildly popular franchise, as he proved with Game of Thrones.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has done it all, except star in a comic book movie. Henson is one of the best actors of her generation and yet, she's got this hole in her resume that, let's be honest, we all want to see filled. The DCU would be a perfect place for her to land, in just about any role, superhero, villain, regular human... anything, just get her in there! 

Charlize Theron

Audiences were teased with a Charlize Theron character in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and the actress stars in the Old Guard franchise, but she's not appeared in any DC-related projects yet and she sure deserves to. We'd love to see her in any number of roles, as she can play just about anything. 

Jason Statham

He's one of the biggest action stars in the world, and yet Jason Statham hasn't appeared in the MCU or anything DC-related. This is something that must be remedied! How about Cliff Steele/Robotman, whose origin story comes out of a race car crash, which would dovetail perfectly with Statham's past work as star of The Transporter movies and in the Fast franchise?

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer has been taking the world by storm over the last few years and that means it's time to find her way into the DCU. Comer could be great in the MCU, but the possibilities in the DCU are endless and for someone like her, on the rise in Hollywood, the sky's the limit. 

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle is pretty entrenched in the MCU, where he's played James "Rhodey" Rhodes/War Machine 10 times in various movies and TV shows. Still, Cheadle is awesome, and there has to be a way to get him into the DCU, too. He'd need to play a completely different kind of character, like a villain, but we're for it. 

Jenna Ortega

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega is clearly ready for the big time. She'd be great as Aquagirl, or, even better, the villain Lourdes Lucero/Encantadora. There are a lot of options, let's hope she fits into one, because it would be great. 

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is another star that most fans immediately associate with The Guardians of the Galaxy and the MCU, but with the Guardians franchise possibly winding down, and the franchise's director, James Gunn, now in charge over at DC, this could be a good time to switch it up for Saldaña, as there are a lot of different heroes she would be great for. 

Josh Gad

Hear us out. Josh Gad may not be the first person you think of when you think of an action movie or a comic book movie, but some of the best casting decisions are sometimes the ones you least expect. Think Michael Keaton as Batman or even Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man. Gad, with his blend of humor and "everyman" qualities, can be pretty chameleon-like and that could make him perfect for the DCU. 

Gwendoline Christie

How has this happened? How have we gotten dozens of superhero movies in the last couple of decades and Gwendoline Christie hasn't been in any of them? Sure, she's got the physique to play any hero out there, but it's her wit and comedic timing combined with that that makes the Game of Thrones star a no-brainer. This seems too easy.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris jumped into the comic book world by playing Shriek in Venom: Let There Be Carnage. She was predictably great, so why not have her cast as a character with a multi-film arc? She should be. With the James Bond Universe in flux with the departure of Daniel Craig, this would be a great time for Harris to find a new franchise to get attached to. 

Daniel Kaluuya

Black Panther star Daniel Kaluuya (who also starred as a real-life Black Panther in Judas and the Black Messiah) is an actor who could fit into the DCU in just about any role. He could be a charming hero, or an evil villain, or even a government bureaucrat. Kaluuya's acting toolbox has a lot of options, the DCU will do well to take advantage of that somehow. 

Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer is a veteran of a lot of big-time franchises. Game of Thrones, Hunger Games, and even the MCU. Unfortunately, she was in fewer Game of Thrones episodes than you would think, and her appearances in the other two were also fairly brief. The DCU has a great opportunity to feature her in a much larger role. 

Donald Glover

This is another absolute no-brainer. Donald Glover is one of the most talented and charming actors in the business, there are an endless amount of roles he could fill in the DCU, so someone out there needs to find a spot for him. 

Diego Luna

With Andor (and his other projects) Diego Luna showed the world how great he can be in a franchise. His performance was gripping, and bringing that same energy to the DCU would be fantastic. 

Jack Quaid

Let's take a sec to lament that despite starring in one of the wildest superhero franchises of all time, The Boys, Jack Quaid hasn't really had an opportunity to be a proper superhero (V-24 notwithstanding). So let's give him a proper chance here! Put him in the DCU! 

Hayden Panettiere

Save the cheerleader, save the world. It was a mantra for Heroes and it's time to see Hayden Panettiere play another superhero. She was so great in Heroes, there's no way she wouldn't be great in the DCU

The DC Universe is James Gunn's oyster, these are some of the pearls out there just waiting to be plopped onto his beach. 

Daisy Ridley knows a thing or two about joining a massive franchise and the pressures that come with it. She’s also a ginormous Harry Potter fan. So, when she was asked about the upcoming Harry Potter series at Max, she opened up about the challenges of making magic work twice and the hypothetical situation of playing Bellatrix Lestrange after seeing Helena Bonham Carter’s incredible performance as the evil witch.

While chatting about her love for the Harry Potter movies, and giving her compliments to the Harry Potter cast on Happy Sad Confused, the Star Wars star was asked if she’d want to play Bellatrix. Josh Horowitz had told her she was a bit too old for Hermione, and not old enough for McGonagall, but mentioned that she could potentially play Helena Bonham Carter’s iconic character. In response, the actress said:

She makes a great point. Some of Helena Bonham Carter’s best movies are the final few Harry Potter films. The actress is commanding as the Death Eater, and in some moments I’d say she’s just as scary as Voldemort. At the very least, she’s definitely more unhinged, and it’s marvelous.

Anyone who takes over this role will have some seriously big shoes to fill. However, I must admit that seeing Daisy Ridley take on the part would be amazing. We know her best as the hero Rey (who she's returning to play in an upcoming Star Wars project). So, it’d be so fun to see her stretch her range and go from a valiant Jedi to totally unhinged evil witch.

However, as the quote above illustrates, it sounds like she’s not putting herself out there for the role. Instead, she’d rather remain a fan, and see what happens with this reportedly “faithful” Harry Potter series. Continuing to talk about her enthusiasm for the Wizarding World, and her curiosity about the magical Max show that was announced in April, Ridley said:

While Harry Potter likely isn’t in her future, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens star did say that she wanted to do “a magic-y thing.” So, if there is anyone out there casting a fantastical magical movie, you should reach out to this actress. 

As a fellow fan of this franchise, I’m with Daisy Ridley. Taking on any role in this series would be incredibly difficult. The entire cast is beloved, and finding the right person to play iconic characters like this again seems like a nearly impossible task. 

However, it’s one Max has taken on. So, even though Daisy Ridley likely will not be playing Bellatrix in the new series, she’ll be excited to see who is. To go back and see Helena Bonham Carter’s masterful performance as the Death Eater, you can stream all eight Harry Potter movies with a Max subscription. To see what Daisy Ridley is up to at the moment, be sure to check out our 2024 movie schedule. 

To say the Star Wars prequels were divisive is putting it mildly. While Star Wars: The Force Awakens was broadly embraced, largely by simply being a return to the franchise, both The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker have become movies that fans have very passionate feelings about. If there's a movie that rivals the levels of The Last Jedi hate, it may only be the Rise of Skywalker hate. If you’re a Star Wars fan there’s a pretty good chance that you really love one of them, and dislike the other, but which one is brilliant and which one is terrible is a topic of much debate.

One of the particular moments that tends to get a strong response from fans is the kiss shared between Rey and Ben Solo at the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Since the day the movie was released, this has been a topic of contention, with fans feeling passionately, whether they loved it or hated it. Though Daisy Ridley now has a unique take on it.

How Fans Feel About The Rise Of Skywalker Kiss 

If you care about The Rise of Skywalker at all, and if you’re reading this I’m guessing that you do, then you probably feel strongly about the kiss. For many, who had hoped to see Rey and Kylo Ren get together, the kiss was exactly the moment they had been waiting for.  

For others, however, the kiss was something else. For some, the fact that the “shipping” community had gotten their kiss was exactly the problem. There was a feeling that movie had pandered to a particular fanbase. And there were some that felt the moment was imply a shock for shock’s sake that just didn’t make sense. 

There’s a feeling from some the kiss hadn’t been earned. While Rey and Kylo Ren certainly had a unique relationship, it hadn’t been indicated to be romantic in the film itself. Up until the moment of Ben Solo’s redemption, the character had killed his father, who had been a friend to Rey, and tried to kill her more than once.

The moment certainly looks like the movie’s hero and villain sharing a romantic moment, and fans either love the kiss or hate it for exactly that reason. However, Daisy Ridley has a bit of a different take on all of it. 

What Daisy Ridley Says About The Kiss Today 

In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Daisy Ridley implies that the kiss was earned, but not because it was romantic. Instead, she sees the kiss as a farewell moment between Rey and Ben. It works because it’s the end of the story. Ridley said… 

It's certainly true that Rey and Kylo Ren have been through a great deal up to that point. And in the moment of the kiss, the story is coming to an end, and Ben Solo is dying. It is a moment of ending, that would be emotional for the two, and and as Daisy Ridley says, you can call a kiss a thousand things, and this is certainly one of them. While it seems unlikely this explanation will change anybody’s opinion of the moment, it is a different way to look at the story that is worth considering.  

With an upcoming Star Wars movie planned around Daisy Ridley's Rey, perhaps the story will include a reference to the kiss, giving it more context. If it does, it will almost certainly result in strong reactions from fans. 

MAJOR SPOILERS for Sometimes I Think About Dying lie ahead, so proceed with caution. 

When Rachel Lambert’s Sometimes I Think About Dying premiered at Sundance Film Festival last January, the last thing one would probably expect from the independent film is the sudden cue of one of Disney’s most uplifting songs. The Daisy Ridley-led movie an introverted office worker's flawed attempt to connect with the people around her is a dark meditation on self-isolation. Yet, somehow, it was perfect that the end credits roll to a song from the first Disney animated movie, 1939’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (which nearly destroyed the company). Now, Lambert has revealed to CinemaBlend just why the tune was so crucial to the movie.

The exact piece of music that plays over the credits of the 2024 movie release is “With A Smile And A Song." When CinemaBlend spoke to Rachel Lambert and Daisy Ridley during a virtual interview in promotion of the movie, the director shared with us about how the track landed in the movie. In Lambert’s words: 

Sometimes I Think About Dying is a small-scale story about Daisy Ridley’s Fran, a quiet office worker whose life changes when she gets a new co-worker in Dave Merheje’s Robert. The main story begins in earnest when Robert asks Fran out to a movie and, over the course of the narrative, they spend more and more time together. However, the movie is not just another one of our favorite romantic comedies. Fran finds it perpetually difficult to open up to Robert. As he probes to get to know her more after they go out to a party together, she defensively makes a hurtful remark toward him. 

The film ends with Fran bringing donuts into the office and confronting Robert about what she said to him the other night. When she asks him if he regrets ever knowing her, he says he doesn’t “know her,” because she hasn’t let him in. Fran then confesses what has been visually communicated throughout the whole movie: she often fantasizes about dying.

The movie ends with Robert going in for a hug with Fran and the Snow White song playing out the movie. Sharing more with CinemaBlend about the inclusion of the Disney tune during that moment, Lambert continued: 

So the notion of the song making its way into the movie came from Sometimes I Think About Dying’s editor, who thought of it while they were putting the film together in post-production. The idea led to both him and the filmmaker breaking down in tears (which is what the song can do to general moviegoers) before they decided to approach Disney about getting the rights to use the music. Take a listen for yourself:

The decision is one that may seem unusual on the surface, but it somehow very much communicates Fran’s experience of finally opening up to Robert after hiding her small but dark secret for so long. Kudos to Rachel Lambert and co. for really thinking outside the box. You can see the movie and check out the tender moment for yourself, as the romantic dramedy is now playing in select theaters alongside a host of other entries.

Star Wars movies have started to do better with female characters ever since Daisy Ridley became the franchise’s newest star for the sequel trilogy. When you look back on past female Star Wars characters that deserved a standalone movie, we’re finally going to get that with Rey getting her own movie serving as a Jedi master. But with the franchise getting its first female director, there have been sexist remarks among the Star Wars fandom and Ridley has something to say about that.

There’s been some online havoc ever since it was announced that Oscar and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy would be directing the new Rey movie. She’d be the first woman and person of color to take on a directorial position for a Star Wars movie. According to NBC News, Daisy Ridley has her own take on the sexist remarks taking place within the fandom. Here's what she said:

It's amazing that Daisy Ridley hasn’t had to deal with any haters ever since Star Wars movie plans announced her character would be coming back. According to The Direct, fans have been happy to see the British actress return in her breakout role. They love the idea of this female Jedi getting ready to build a New Order as long as it’s through the lessons she was taught by her mentor, Luke Skywalker. 

The controversy stemming from the new Star Wars movie could be coming from when Rey’s director said “something very special” about her upcoming project was that it was “about time” a woman decided to take the reins on a story set “in a galaxy far, far away.” Based on SlashFilm, some fans were offended believing the documentary filmmaker will focus more on adding feminism to the space opera film than creating a great movie. Others accused Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy of hiring Obaid-Chinoy for the sake of “wokeness” and for feminist reasons. 

As for the status of the new Rey movie, fears came pouring out that Daisy Ridley’s film was delayed indefinitely. It turns out that Lucasfilm is just waiting for a new draft of the script. We also know that other than Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order, the sci-fi film is supposed to take place 15 years later. This is a time setting I’m most curious about as it’s only been five years since Rise of the Skywalker and Ridley doesn’t look like she’s aged a day. We still don’t know yet if sequel characters like Finn will be in the latest epic space movie. With the standalone movie still in the development stages, it looks like we’ll have a long way to go before getting any kind of answers.

There have been many female heroes and villains that Star Wars should have used more of. With the famed franchise having a female lead headlining the upcoming Star Wars film and a female director presenting her vision, I would do what Daisy Ridley is doing in paying more attention to the positive feedback compared to the sexist noise coming from the fandom. Until we know more about Rey’s release date, you can watch the sequel trilogy and the rest of the Lucasfilm franchise on your Disney+ subscription.

There are major movie franchises, and then there's Star Wars. Generations of moviegoers grew up loving the galaxy far, far away, with has continued expanding thanks to big screen adventures and live-action shows available with a Disney+ subscription. The Skywalker Saga ended with The Rise of Skywalker, and it's already been a few years since the space opera has been in theaters. Lucasfilm announced a new trilogy that's on the way, including a movie starring Daisy Ridley's Rey. But will that project feature more characters from the sequel trilogy? Here's the latest from the actress.

The ending of The Rise of Skywalker saw Rey embrace her new last name, and made it clear that the Jedi line would continue with her. Daisy Ridley's developing movie is one of the most highly anticipated upcoming Star Wars projects, but we don't know much about what it'll contain. Ridley was recently asked by Variety if she felt strange doing a movie without her co-stars like John Boyega and Oscar Isaac, and she responded honestly, saying:

There you have it. While Ridley expressed her excitement for her mysterious Star Wars movie, it sounds like she's not sure if any of her colleagues will be joining in on the fun. Fingers crossed that we get to see more returning characters, especially Finn. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to see him finally get his Jedi training. 

Daisy Ridley's comments offer a peek behind the curtain on the Rey movie's development, which is largely being kept under wraps. It's unclear when the new trilogy of movies will actually arrive in theaters, but hopefully Lucasfilm will share some more information with the public about what's coming next. 

The Rey movie definitely has Star Wars fans excited, and it feels like narratively the sky's the limit. The Skywalker Saga is officially in the rear view, and the filmmakers and writers should presumably have more freedom to make bold storytelling choices. 

Despite the new trilogy announcement, there are countless questions about Star Wars' future in theaters. In addition to those three movies, Taika Waititi is also attached to direct his own flick, although the development process has already taken years. Hopefully we get to see the galaxy far, far away on the big screen sooner rather than later.

The Star Wars franchise has its streaming home on Disney+. Check the 2024 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Daisy Ridley’s first time starring in a movie was Star Wars: The Force Awakens. You know, the No. 5 highest grossing movie of all time under the Avatar movies, Avengers: Endgame and Titanic? Talk about a big splash into Hollywood. Over four years after capping off the sequel trilogy with The Rise of Skywalker, Ridley leads one gem among 2024 movies, Sometimes I Think About Dying. In the upcoming release, Ridley plays quite the foil to Rey Skywalker – a quiet, lonely office worker living in Oregon, just struggling to connect with the people around her. 

After Sometimes I Think About Dying first caught our eyes when it premiered at Sundance last year, the movie is finally making its way to theaters this month. Ahead of its release, I asked the actress how playing the cottage cheese-loving woman named Fran may have spoke to her after being greatly known for playing larger-than-life characters. In her words: 

As Daisy Ridley spoke during her interview with CinemaBlend, since she started her career on such a big stage leading a Star Wars movie, there’s a lot of eyes on her regarding how she will follow the whole thing up. She recalled a “big important person” kind of judging her choices post-a galaxy far, far away, but ultimately, as Ridley communicated, she’s not necessarily being strategic when it comes to her roles after Rey. While Sometimes I Think About Dying may feel like the opposite of Rey, her decision to play the role came from her love of the script that came her way. 

Sometimes I Think About Dying follows Fran, an introverted and isolated office worker who’s life gets shaken when she gets a new coworker in Dave Merheje’s Robert. The movie is based on a 2013 play called Killers and was directed by Rachel Lambert. Ridley expanded on her love for the film, saying this:  

Ridley was attracted by how the movie approaches human connection, rather than being guided by how different the character may be to her Star Wars protagonist. Sometimes I Think About Dying is hitting limited release on January 26, with a wider release reportedly to come. 

The new Daisy Ridley movie comes following the announcement that the actress will once again be in one of the upcoming Star Wars movies. As announced at Star Wars Celebration last spring, she will play a Jedi Master in a new movie directed by Ms. Marvel’s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy from a script by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The latest on the new movie is Lucasfilm is awaiting a new draft of the movie’s script. Ridley has also recently said that she thinks the movie is going to be a “really fantastic exploration of the Star Wars world.” 

Sometimes I Think About Dying is a fantastic new performance from Ridley, and we cannot wait to see what choices she continues to make throughout her career. 

There are long-running movie franchises, and then there's Star Wars. Generations grew up with the galaxy far far away, resulting in a massive fanbase. With the Skywalker Saga behind us, Lucasfilm announced a new trilogy of movies, which are set in various parts of the official timeline. Chief among those titles is a movie that will feature Daisy Ridley's Rey as she started a new Jedi order. But after rumors, is the Rey movie actually delayed indefinitely? Here's the latest.

Out of the upcoming Star Wars movies, the Rey film arguably has the most hype around it. Fans are eager to see what happened to her after the end of The Rise of Skywalker, and some are hoping we might see her train John Boyega's Finn. After chatter that the movie might be on hold, io9 reports that a source close to production has denied these chats. What's more, Lucasfilm is reportedly waiting on a new draft of the Rey movie's script. 

Do you hear that sound? It's various fans collectively cheering for joy that the Rey movie isn't another Star Wars movie that was promised and never delivered upon. Hopefully the development process continues on, and we see Daisy Ridley's signature character back on the big screen sooner rather than later.

Star Wars has been noticeably missing from theaters over the past few years, as the franchise expands thanks to live-action shows available with a Disney+ subscription. But hopefully all plans for the new trilogy are moving forward, and the space opera will be back on the big screen where it belongs. 

Aside from the upcoming trilogy of new titles, Taika Waititi is also attached to direct his own Star Wars movie. Although exactly when this might happens remains a mystery, and there's no concrete timeline about when we should expect that project to come together. For now fans will have to be patient and wait for the franchise to finally return to the big screen. 

As previously mentioned, Rey's Star Wars movie is expected to pick up after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, with Daisy Ridley's protagonist helping to form a new Jedi order. Details are sparse about this developing project, but many fans are hoping that John Boyega also returns as Finn, and finally becomes a Jei. After all, he was hinted at being Force sensitive multiple times throughout the sequel trilogy. And his involvement would finally offer some closure on that plot point. 

The recently announced Star Wars movies don't have any release dates, so fans will have to stay patient and wait for the franchise to eventually return to the big screen. For now we've got the TV shows to keep us satiated. In the meantime, check out the 2024 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Although 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker concluded the Skywalker Saga that had been running ever since A New Hope launched the Star Wars franchise in 1977, we’re not done spending time with one of the Sequel Trilogy’s main protagonists. In April 2023, it was announced that Daisy Ridley will reprise Rey in a Star Wars movie focused on her building a new Jedi Order. While we’re still in the dark about what can be specifically expected from this story, Ridley has opened up about the circumstances that led to her agreeing to appear in this upcoming Star Wars movie, (in which John Boyega is also rumored to return), calling it something she “really wanted to do.”

The actress shared while speaking with AlloCiné about her new movie Sometimes I Think About Dying, which opens January 24 on the 2024 release schedule, that she was approached by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy for what she thought was just going to be a normal breakfast. The executive instead used the meal as an opportunity to pitch Ridley to return to a galaxy far, far away. The Rey performer recalled:

Considering that Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher didn’t reprise their Star Wars roles until more than three decades after Return of the Jedi’s release, if Daisy Ridley hadn’t already assumed she’d never play Rey again, I imagine she at least thought a lot more time would have passed before she returned to the franchise. And yet, whatever Kathleen Kennedy told her at that breakfast was enough to persuade her to come back. Naturally it’ll be a while before Ridley will be able to disclose the specifics of their conversation, but I’m curious to eventually learn what aspects of the story piqued her interest.

While Star Wars did use the comic book series Star Wars Adventures to reveal what happened to Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron immediately after The Rise of Skywalker, this Rey movie will be our first major exploration of the post-Skywalker Saga timeline. Picking up 15 years after The First Order was overthrown and Palpatine was defeated… again (let’s hope this time it sticks), Rey has been a full-fledged Jedi for a long time and is overseeing training a new generation of these benevolent Force users. It hasn’t been clarified yet, however, whether she’ll be the main protagonist or if she’ll play a supporting role akin to Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi.

This Rey movie will be directed by Ms. Marvel’s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight wrote the script. No release date has been set yet, but it is one of four Star Wars movies that have been officially announced, the latest being The Mandalorian & Grogu. Revisit the past Star Wars movies in order and the the franchise’s TV shows with your Disney+ subscription.

When Star Wars finally came back to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens it was a big deal for fans, but it was an even bigger deal for Daisy Ridley. The largely unknown actress had taken a massive step into the spotlight as part of what was virtually guaranteed to be one of the biggest movie releases ever. It’s not surprising that Ridley had an emotional reaction to seeing herself on the big screen as Rey, but the reason seeing the film made her cry is a bit more surprising.

Speaking with French-language Clique, Ridley admits that when she first saw The Force Awakens she broke down in tears because initially she thought she was terrible in the movie. Ridley said (translated from French)…

It’s certainly not too shocking that Ridley was overwhelmed by the experience to the point that her emotions got the better of her. As she says, she’d never been in a leading role like that before, so she had nothing to compare to what she was seeing. On top of that, her first leading role was in a Star Wars movie. The seventh Star Wars film ever, or the eighth now if you watch the Star Wars movies in order, Ridley knew the eyes of the world would be on her, so she was overly critical of her performance. 

And while there have certainly been those that have been critical of Ridley’s performance, most of that has been relegated to sexists on social media. Whatever people think of the new trilogy in general, a lot of fans love Daisy Ridley and they love Rey as a character. Once Daisy Ridley realized most people didn’t believe she was the worst thing to happen to Star Wars she was hopefully able to come to terms with her feelings and see her performance differently. 

Lucasfilm doesn’t have a problem with Daisy Ridley, as the Star Wars franchise is bridging her back in a new movie. And the fact that Ridley is willing to return indicates she is at peace with her performance. The as-yet-untitled movie will see Ridley as an older Jedi training a new generation. The movie was expected to be the next of the upcoming Star Wars movies until yesterday when we learned that The Mandalorian & Grogu, a new movie based on The Mandalorian Disney+ series, and directed by Jon Favreau, is slated to go into production later this year and thus will likely be the expected 2025 Star Wars release. 

Though Hollywood A-listers make more money for one movie that some of us will see in a lifetime, there are times where even some of the highest grossing actors of all time didn’t make as much as you'd think. Over the years, stars like Robert Downey Jr., Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt have brought in massive paydays for acting and producing, but those same stars have also seen incredibly small paychecks for one reason or another.

If you’ve ever wanted to know about 33 actors who made way less than you’d think for a beloved movie, look no further…

Robert Downey Jr. Made $500,000 For Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. was the first major star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and would be a staple of the Infinity Saga for more than a decade. During this time, he made a ton of money for his superhero performances. However, he only took home a comparatively small payday of $500,000 for 2008’s Iron Man, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Bill Murray Made $9,000 For Rushmore

Bill Murray is one of the most beloved actors of all time and a frequent collaborator of Wes Anderson’s ever since the release of Rushmore back in 1998. That fruitful partnership started out modestly for the SNL alum, as he was paid $9,000 for his take on Herman Blume, per Vulture.

Gal Gadot Made $300,000 For Wonder Woman

When Gal Gadot first signed on to portray Diana Prince in the DCEU back in 2014, Variety reported that the Fast & Furious star would take on a salary of $300,000 per movie, including Wonder Woman, which was released three years later.

Julia Roberts Made $300,000 For Pretty Woman

Though she had some success at the box office prior to its release, Julia Roberts turned into a massive star thanks to 1990’s Pretty Woman and one of the most well-known A-listers on the planet. However, Roberts, who would go on to earn a ton of cash for movies like Erin Brockovich years later, reportedly received a modest sum of $300,000 for her role in the all-time great romantic comedy, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Hilary Swank Made $3,000 For Boys Don’t Cry

Hilary Swank won her first Oscar and became one of the most talked about actresses thanks to her transformative portrayal of Brandon Teena in Kimberly Peirce’s Boys Don’t Cry. When appearing on Women’s Dinner Party years later, Swank revealed she was paid $3,000 for the role, which wasn’t enough to qualify for health insurance.

Tom Hanks Made $50,000 For Toy Story

Tom Hanks, who won two Academy Awards prior to the 1995 release of Toy Story, was reportedly paid $50,000 to provide the voice of Woody in the landmark Pixar film, according to the Los Angeles Times. In the same article, the publication reported that Hanks made $5 million upfront for its 1999 sequel.

Oprah Winfrey Made $35,000 For The Color Purple

Oprah Winfrey received an Oscar nomination for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple back in 1985. The media mogul, who is worth billions today, later told Essence she was paid $35,000 for portrayal of Sofia.

Robin Williams Made $75,000 For Aladdin

Aladdin will forever be remembered as one of the best Robin Williams movies, and rightfully so. And while the late actor provided countless hours of incredible lines for his co-starring performance, he only made $75,000 for his troubles, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Jamie Lee Curtis Made $8,000 For Halloween

John Carpenter’s Halloween, one of the best horror movies, turned Jamie Lee Curtis into a scream queen almost overnight. However, the Academy Award winner later told People Magazine that she only made $8,000 for her portrayal of Laurie Strode.

Nick Castle Made $25/Day For Halloween

Nick Castle has played Michael Myers a total of five times over the years, with the most recent being 2022’s Halloween Ends. Though the role made him a horror icon, Castle told Vanity Fair he was only paid $25 for each day of shooting in the original back in 1978.

Matthew McConaughey Made Less Than $200,000 For Dallas Buyers Club

Matthew McConaughey won an Oscar for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club, a role that ushered in a new era of his career. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he was paid less than $200,000 upfront for the movie9 but did receive an undisclosed amount on the backend.

Chris Evans Made $300,000 For Captain America: The First Avenger

Chris Evans was a driving force for the first few phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was paid handsomely for his efforts later on. However, when he was cast to play Steve Rogers in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, he reportedly only made $300,000, per The Guardian.

Jeff Daniels Made $50,000 For Dumb And Dumber

Jeff Daniels, who was mostly known for his dramatic roles at the time, was cast to appear alongside Jim Carrey in the Farrelly Brothers’ 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber despite New Line Cinema wanting someone else. Years later, the directors told The Hollywood Reporter that the studio low-balled him with an offer of $50,000, thinking he’d say no. You know the rest.

Taraji P. Henson Made $150,000 For The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Taraji P. Henson received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a performance that netted her a great deal of screen time. However, as she later told Variety, she was only paid $150,000 for the gig, which was several hundred thousand dollars less than her initial request of $500,000.

Jonah Hill Made $60,000 For The Wolf Of Wall Street 

Jonah Hill was paid $60,000 for his portrayal of Donnie Azoff in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 epic comedy The Wolf of Wall Street. While that may seem small considering the size of his role, Hill later told Howard Stern (via BBC) that he immediately took the offer, adding that he would have sold his house and given all his money to work with the acclaimed director. 

Orlando Bloom Made $175,000 For The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy 

Orlando Bloom was an instrumental part of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with his character, Legolas, being featured heavily throughout all three movies. During a 2023 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, the actor revealed he was paid a total of $175,000 for the entire project.

Jon Heder Initially Made $1,000 For Napoleon Dynamite 

Napoleon Dynamite pretty much came out of nowhere and took the world by storm in 2004, partly because its star, Jon Heder. A few years after the film’s release, Heder told Stuff Magazine that he initially made $1,000 from the movie but was later able to negotiate his deal after MTV picked up distribution.

Daisy Ridley Made Between $100,000 And $300,000 For Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

Daisy Ridley was a relatively unknown actress when she was cast in one of the lead roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which might explain her low salary for the 2015 blockbuster. According to Variety, that number was reportedly between $100,000 and $300,000.

John Boyega Made Between $100,000 And $300,000 For Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

John Boyega’s Finn was one of the most heavily featured characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but the young actor reportedly only received a payday somewhere between $100,000 and $300,000, per Variety.

James Earl Jones Made $7,000 For Star Wars

James Earl Jones’ dynamic voice gave Darth Vader a menacing edge in George Lucas' 1977 film Star Wars (and the rest of the franchise), but did you know that he was only paid $7,000 for the first movie? When speaking with the American Film Institute, the legendary actor admitted that he thought that was good money at the time.

Mel Gibson Made $9,000 For Mad Max 

After appearing in Mad Max, Mel Gibson would go on to lead some of the best action movies of all time, but back when he was cast in the late ‘70s, he was a broke college student. That’s why, as he told ExperienceWith.com, his $9,000 salary for George Miller’s dystopian thriller seemed like a fortune.

Seann William Scott Made $8,000 For American Pie 

American Pie was one of the biggest movies of the ‘90s, and Seann William Scott’s Stifler was its breakout character. So, how much did the young actor make for his career-defining role? Well, as he told The Rich Eisen Show in 2023, he was paid $8,000, most of which he spent on a used Thunderbird.

Christian Bale Made The Minimum Salary For American Psycho 

Christian Bale’s take on the unhinged Patrick Bateman in 2000’s American Psycho is one of the actor’s most unforgettable performances, but it could very well be one of his smallest paydays. Though he didn’t reveal the exact number in a 2022 GQ profile, the actor did say it was the “absolute minimum they were illegally allowed” to pay him.

Michelle Williams Made $625,000 For All The Money In The World 

Michelle Williams was reportedly only paid $625,000 for her portrayal of Gail Harris in Ridley Scott’s 2017 biographical crime thriller All the Money in the World, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Though this is a hefty fee, her co-star, Mark Wahlberg, was reported to have taken home $5 million for his role.

Barkhad Abdi Made $65,000 For Captain Phillips 

Barkhad Abdi became an overnight sensation following the release of Captain Phillips, in which he plays lead pirate Abduwali Muse. According to the New Yorker, Abdi’s acting debut and Oscar-nominated performance earned him $65,000.

Jennifer Lopez Made $0 For Hustlers 

Jennifer Lopez received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Hustlers, a movie she made for free. During a GQ breakdown of her biggest career moments, the multi-talented star said she starred in and produced the movie for no upfront money, as she was investing in herself. However, it wasn’t disclosed as to how much she made on the backend of the film’s release, which was $157.6 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Gunnar Hansen Made $800 For Texas Chain Saw Massacre 

Gunnar Hansen’s Leatherface is an instantly recognizable horror villain thanks to his mask made of human flesh and signature chainsaw. But did you know that the actor was only paid a three-digit sum for his performance in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre? In 2013, the actor told Fast Company that he made $800 for his part in the iconic ‘70s horror movie.

Dustin Hoffman Made $20,000 For The Graduate 

The Graduate was the movie that turned Dustin Hoffman into a young Hollywood star, but it was also one that didn’t earn him a whole lot of money. According to a 1968 New York Times article, Hoffman reportedly made $20,000 for his career-defining role, but he only ended up keeping $4,000 of that after expenses and taxes were taken out.

John Candy Made $414 For His Home Alone Cameo 

The late John Candy appears in Home Alone for only a few minutes, but it’s still wild to think that his cameo only netted the actor $414. In the Home Alone episode of Netflix’s The Movies That Made Us, it is revealed that Candy’s unforgettable portrayal of Gus Polinski, the Polka King of the Midwest, didn’t necessarily break the bank.

Jessica Chastain Made $1.75 Million For The Martian 

Jessica Chastain’s paycheck for The Martian was shockingly low. Around the time of the film’s 2015 release, there was a report that the actress made $7 million from her part, but she told The Huffington Post that she actually made around a quarter of that, which would be around $1.75 million. The film’s star, Matt Damon, reportedly made between $15 and 25 million for his part.

Brad Pitt Made $6,000 For Thelma And Louise 

Brad Pitt is one of the biggest and highest paid actors around today and has been that way for the better part of the past 30 years. However, that wasn’t always the case. According to the Daily Mail, the actor was paid just $6,000 for his breakout performance as JD in Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise.

Jon Voight Made The ‘Minimum’ Salary For Midnight Cowboy 

Jon Voight received all kinds of nominations for his performance in Midnight Cowboy, but the actor was paid the “minimum” for his portrayal of Joe Buck. When disclosing this to The Guardian decades later, Voight also revealed he received a $14.73 charge for meals on the final day of the shoot.

Adam Levine Made $0 For Begin Again 

Maroon 5 frontman and former coach on The Voice Adam Levine appeared in John Carney’s 2014 musical dramedy, Begin Again for free. When speaking with USA Today around the time of the film’s release, Levine explained that he did the movie “for no money,” stating that he had made enough through his other ventures and wanted the experience.

It’s safe to say that all of these actors have done okay for themselves over the years after making relatively small salaries throughout their career. But it’s still wild to think about Robert Downey Jr. only making half-a-million to play Tony Stark. What a steal.