Daisy Ridley, best known for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, recently opened up about the immense stress she experienced while working on the iconic franchise. Despite her now-established fame, Ridley was a relative newcomer to Hollywood when she was cast in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the Force-sensitive Rey. She continued her role in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, becoming a central figure in the franchise’s modern era. However, this rapid rise to stardom came with significant challenges, impacting her health in unexpected ways.

In a candid interview with The Times, Ridley revealed that the stress of her role in Star Wars had severe physical consequences, including a condition known as “leaky gut.” This medical condition, characterized by increased intestinal permeability, often leads to stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues. Ridley explained that her body manifests stress in very physical ways, which led to these severe health issues. She was overwhelmed by the pressures of traveling, constant media attention, and the public’s expectations, which made her question her worthiness for the role.

“Oh, God! Essentially, it was a leaky gut. I was just knackered. I’d never traveled that much, or done press junkets, and my body deals with stress in a very physical way, so my gut was manifesting an emotional reaction to traveling around the world, people saying hello to me in the street. And me going, ‘What’s going on?’ And worrying. ‘Oh s–t, should it be me?’ or ‘Am I good enough?’ And I only really felt I was by the third film, The Rise of Skywalker. By then, I felt, ‘OK, I was chosen for a reason.’ But it took a long time. It was super intense.”

Ready for a Return: Ridley’s Renewed Enthusiasm for Star Wars

Five years have passed since the Star Wars sequel trilogy concluded. Although the experience was stressful, Ridley has used this time to explore other projects and gain new perspectives. Now, she feels ready to return to the Star Wars universe. Ridley is set to reprise her role as Rey in the upcoming Star Wars: New Jedi Order, directed by Academy Award-winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. This film will take place 15 years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker and will focus on Rey re-establishing the Jedi Order in the galaxy.

Announced during the 2023 Star Wars Celebration, New Jedi Order marks a significant step for the franchise. Ridley is currently the only confirmed cast member, highlighting her pivotal role in the film. This new installment will explore the year 50 ABY, depicting the early days of the new Jedi Order and setting the stage for a fresh era in the Star Wars saga. The movie is part of a broader effort to expand the Star Wars universe, with other projects like The Mandalorian and Grogu and Dawn of the Jedi also in development.

Despite the daunting prospect of leading Star Wars into its future, Ridley feels more prepared and confident. She has come to terms with her place in the franchise and is excited about the new storylines and opportunities that lie ahead. Reflecting on her journey, Ridley acknowledges the growth she has experienced as an actor and how it will influence her portrayal of Rey in the new film. She anticipates that the different director and fresh narrative will offer a unique and enriching experience.

Ridley’s experience underscores the often overlooked physical and emotional toll that comes with stardom, especially in a franchise as massive as Star Wars. The pressures of constant travel, media scrutiny, and public expectations can have profound effects on an actor’s health. For Ridley, this manifested in a leaky gut, a condition that not only caused physical discomfort but also added to her emotional stress. However, her journey also highlights the resilience and strength required to navigate such challenges.

In the years following the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Ridley took time to recover and focus on her well-being. She engaged in various projects that allowed her to diversify her portfolio and grow as an artist. This period of reflection and growth has been crucial in preparing her for a return to the Star Wars universe. Ridley’s story is a testament to the importance of self-care and the need for balance in the demanding world of entertainment.

Ridley’s revelations also shed light on the broader issues within Hollywood regarding the pressures placed on actors, especially those thrust into major franchises. The industry often glamorizes stardom without acknowledging the mental and physical health challenges that come with it. Ridley’s openness about her struggles can help foster a more supportive environment for actors and encourage the industry to prioritize their well-being.

A Star Ready to Shine Again

Daisy Ridley’s journey through the Star Wars sequel trilogy was marked by immense stress and health challenges, but it also led to significant personal and professional growth. Now, with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose, Ridley is ready to reprise her iconic role as Rey in New Jedi Order. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of stardom and the importance of self-care in achieving long-term success. As Ridley prepares to lead the Star Wars franchise into a new era, fans can look forward to seeing a more mature and evolved Rey, guided by an actor who has truly come into her own.