Rey begins in her own world. She goes on this crazy adventure and meets Finn and BB-8 and she finally starts to make these bonds she’s never had before. It’ll be epic.... I’m still early on in my life, let alone in my career. But, hopefully, I’ll bring freshness and self-confidence but with vulnerability.  All the things that make me, that’s what I’ll bring to the character,” says Daisy Ridley, the 23-year-old behind the role of Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Here’s more from the London-born actress.

How did you hear about the part?

The first time I actually heard about this I was with three friends. One is a make-up artist and the other is a stylist. Somebody said: ‘Did you hear Star Wars is coming out?’ I immediately e-mailed my agent, and said that I really need to be seen for this. I don’t know why; I just had this weird feeling. I wound up getting an audition. So, for the first audition I was an hour early, literally pacing up and down outside. I’d never been nervous like that before for something. It was the first time in an audition process that I felt everyone was rooting, not for me, but for the idea of an unknown person getting the part. 

Did you know you were going for the lead?

I knew it was a big part, but I didn’t know it would be in the whole thing. I didn’t know what Rey’s journey would be and where she would end up. It was only when I read the script that I realised the enormity of, not only her, but her place in the whole thing. 

How did you find out you got the part?

My last audition was really amazing. A few days later, I knew I’d hear from J.J., and my phone was broken. I didn’t get the call. I didn’t know what was going on. I finally got through to him and he told me I’d be starring in Star Wars. 

And what was your reaction?

I was outside a theatre where my friend was in a show, of which I missed the first half while all this was going on. I remember kicking a bottle on the ground like everything had changed. But it was all the same. And then I had to watch the rest of the show. My phone died. I couldn’t call anyone. I sat on the tube going home thinking, oh my god. Not able to tell anyone for an hour. Then, finally, I could tell my mom and sister. But, it didn’t really kick in for months. 

What does it feel like to be a star in a movie that has global appeal?

I’m just starting to realise how big a thing it is. When J.J. Abrams told me I got the part, he said that my life was going to change.  I could imagine it, but I couldn’t feel it until it began to happen. The people who have done it before are coming back and it’s like a family. It’s like people revisiting things. So, I feel honoured that I’ve been allowed to continue the journey with my part as well as part of the team.  

Were you a fan of the franchise?

I remember being in the cinema and watching one because I remember being terrified. But because I was younger than the first generation of Star Wars fans, it wasn’t such a huge thing in my life — until now. But it does permeate popular culture. It’s on magazines. It’s referenced everywhere. But it was not until this year that it became a really big part of my life.

Do you think that Star Wars is about family?

Yes and the family thing translates everywhere. Even on set, it feels like a family. It’s that feeling of bonding. Because Rey is trying to find her place in this world in the same way I was trying to find my place in the world, the similarities were really nice. I felt so welcomed and taken in, and people seemed to care how I felt, which translates into the Rey thing as well. She suddenly has these people who care about her and she’s finding her place within that. 

Who’s your favourite character? Whom do you relate to?

Luke Skywalker. I think of it more as a universal thing. He embodies so much of everyone. Everyone starts out on a path; then circumstances change, and things happen, and you go to a new path. The thing that’s always with him is the good. He’s the good against the evil. He’s looking out for Leia and Han Solo too. So, he’s got other people’s best interests at heart. So the choices he makes are positively affecting, not only him, but the people around him. I think that’s what so many people do in life and that’s probably why I feel like that. He’s someone I can relate to.

What are the life lessons that Star Wars offers you?

Family is incredibly important, but I also think in 50 years I’ll look back and really realise the life lessons that I learnt from this part of the journey as kind of a whole. So hopefully, I’ll learn some more life lessons on the way.  

How did you feel when you first stepped on the Millennium Falcon?

It’s such an iconic set and J.J. really wanted it to be perfect, so there was no mistaking what we’re trying to create. It’s just so big. There are moments where I’m like: ‘I’m flying the Millennium Falcon!’

How did you feel about being on set with the legacy cast?

When I first met Harrison, we just sat down for a coffee together. He was talking about his experience of the whole thing, not just Han Solo, but the Star Wars saga. Then we all had dinner together, which was great.

And Chewie. Was he everything you dreamt of?

It’s so funny seeing Chewie up close. He’s got a little moustache that is lighter than his face. And, he’s just so big!

Tell us about working with J.J. Abrams.

J.J. is amazing. I’ve never really been on a film set before, and everyone adores him. He’s very kind, very generous. He was so great at the beginning because I was so nervous. He’s so patient, which is really important for me because I spent a lot of time going: “I can’t do this.” He made sure everyone on set was feeling great. There’s no one not worthy of a hello and a thank you. In such a big film, personal relationships can be lost. But, because he is who he is, they’re not at all. Everyone feels praised. Everyone feels loved. Everyone feels appreciated. That is so important. 

Do you feel that Rey is your character now? That you’ve got this?

I feel like I’m coming into my film family. Every day is fun. I haven’t had one day where I didn’t enjoy it. There are moments when I think how many people love Star Wars and it’s scary trying to fit into that world that people know so well and love so much. It’s nerve-racking thinking what Rey might represent to these people and whether they’ll like her or not.

Can you talk us through your look?

We went through many versions of hair, and a few versions of costume. When we finally decided on the hair, and I put the costume on, you could feel everyone go, that’s how she should be. Everything is supposed to look like Rey put it together herself. So, the hair is the iconic three buns, which we call the three knobs. The costume is gorgeous. It’s pretty, but she works in it. Everything she’s got fits her perfectly. I put the costume on and I feel pretty badass.

Talk us through the training process. 

We did hand-to-hand and used boxing to warm up. J.J. wanted me to look like I work out. So I’ve been working the upper body. That was four hours a day, four days a week for three months. Without the guys we’re training with, there’s just no way John Boyega and I would have gotten through Abu Dhabi. The running stuff was so hard. It was a relief when there were explosions because we needed a break from the running. I haven’t stunt-trained for a while, but I’m still fitness training to keep the levels up. There are such long days that you need the energy it brings.

What would you like to impart to young girls from your journey?

Be strong and be thoughtful and take care and realise how you’re affecting other people. Learn and grow and don’t be scared if things are offered to you that you’re not sure about but may change your life. Dive in feet first. Take everything you can and appreciate every day. Appreciate the people around you who support you and never feel on your own because you never are.

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