There are undoubtedly a number of legitimate criticisms to be heard about theStar Warssequel trilogy (except that perfect childThe Last Jediwho deserves nothing but happiness in this world). But one aspect of the films that’s difficult to find fault with is the actors themselves. Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Kelly Marie Tran, and the rest of the team all put in spectacular performances as the relative newcomers to the franchise.
So it’s likely of little surprise to many that stars like Ridley still get asked about a potential return to the series, even though their stories have apparently reached their end. ButStar Warsis pretty much like any given comic book story in that regard. If a character doesn’t die on-screen with the camera lingering on their lifeless corpse, they’re probably going to come back. Heck, even then, it’s still somehow not set in stone, asfans of Cad Bane will eagerly speculateafter his appearance inThe Book of Boba Fett.
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But on that note, Ridley recently fielded such a question on the red carpet at the 2022 BAFTA Film Awards. In a short clip posted by Twitter user and unambiguous Rey fan @REYSKYGOAT, the interviewer poses the question, “Do you miss being Rey? Are you going to make a return to Star Wars?” Ridley gives a significant grin and replies, “I’ll always be Rey.” As if to further stoke the fires of fan passion, she then adds, “sound bite!” Looks likeMichael Keaton isn’t the only one adept at teasing.
This wouldn’t be the first time speculation has begun to stir aboutRidley’s possible return toStar Wars. The possibility has been floated around fan discussions on a pretty regular basis since her last appearance as Rey in 2019’sThe Rise of Skywalker. It’s not difficult to see why. Ridley’s performance is pretty widely considered one of the high points of the trilogy, with even detractors tending to concede that she pulled off some great moments despite the material she was given to work with.
But time and time again, the question gets dodged or deflected for any number of reasons. Given theStar Warsfranchise’s focus on the prequel era lately, particularly with entries likeThe Book of Boba Fettand theupcomingObi-Wan Kenobilimited series, it’s understandable that Ridley’s potential return likely wouldn’t take place for some time. Hey, if it took this long for Temuera Morrison to reprise his role as Boba Fett, odds are Ridley’s fans have some waiting in their near future.
But that doesn’t mean fans should be discouraged. Remember, this is stillStar Wars. This is the franchise where people are still hopeful to see Samuel L. Jackson again as Mace Windu, despite the character’s particularly brutal on-screen death inRevenge of the Sith. Fans are even pulling forFelicity Jones to come back as Jyn Erso, whom many will recall was last seen getting shot by the actual literal Death Star. Rebellions are built on hope, as are fandoms.
