Daisy Ridley Has Thoughts On The Last Jedi Vs. Rise Of Skywalker Debate
The two most recent films in the Skywalker Saga, "Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi" and "Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker," are two of the franchise's most controversial entries. Audiences were split on "The Last Jedi," and even some of the film's cast, including Finn actor John Boyega, criticized it.
"The Rise of Skywalker" didn't seem to fare much better, with the movie receiving the second-lowest Rotten Tomatoes score in the franchise and the Internet complaining about various aspects. Of course, there were plenty of people who enjoyed either or both of the films as well, but reception to the final two entries of the sequel trilogy was certainly mixed.
With such a mix of opinions, many might be wondering what those who appeared in the movies think about how they turned out. Fortunately, Daisy Ridley, the actor behind protagonist Rey, has shared some of her own thoughts about the controversial films.
Daisy Ridley thinks both films have merits through their themes
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Daisy Ridley talked about her recent film, "Sometimes I Think About Dying," and how she shares a lot of her character's social anxiety. However, the interviewer also managed to sneak in a few questions about her role as Rey in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, including one about the apparent erasure of the message of "The Last Jedi" by "The Rise of Skywalker."
"What was interesting about the last one, for me, was that you can be a hero and not come from anywhere or you can be a hero and come from literally the worst person in the universe," Ridley said. "You're not your parents, you're not your grandparents, you're not your bloodline and you're not the generations before you."
According to Ridley, it was "Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens" and "Rise of Skywalker" director J.J. Abrams who incorporated the plot point of Rey finding out that her parents weren't anyone special, even though that occurs in Rian Johnson's "The Last Jedi." Of course, that reveal turned out to be fake, with "The Rise of Skywalker" declaring that Rey is related to the evil Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid).
Ultimately, Ridley didn't say which one she thinks is better, but her defense of both messages from both films is an interesting take.