Naomi Ackie

IS HITTING LIGHTSPEED…

What I like to do is acknowledge it, and then run away from it,” laughs Naomi Ackie of her new-found big-screen success. It’s an understandable response given that, just three years since her big-screen debut in Lady Macbeth, Ackie recently filmed the pilot episode of the untitled Game Of Thrones prequel series, and has a major role in Star Wars saga capper The Rise Of Skywalker. “It’s very hard to put into words,” she says.

What can you tell us about The Rise Jannah?

Of Skywalker’s

Jannah is a warrior, and she comes into contact with the rest of the group at a point where they need some help. She is part of the Resistance, and she’s spent a long time acquiring skills that might be helpful when it comes to the big conclusion of the film. So she shows up at the right time.

One of those skills is riding an ‘orbak’. How long did it take to learn?

I was training for seven months, three times a week, at an amazing horse ranch called The Devil’s Horsemen. By the end of it, I could canter without any hands. I could play catch with balls while on a horse… It’s the best part of the job – you get paid to learn!

Are Star Wars and Game Of Thrones at all comparable?

They definitely are. There’s a higher level of pressure. Sometimes it’s very serious, and sometimes it’s very intense. But… imagine you’re six years old, and you’re playing cops and robbers. It’s that feeling where you have somehow managed, in your adult world, to manifest a childlike sense of play. It’s just joyful.

When did you know that you wanted to act?

From the age of 11 I’ve been solely into acting – quite stubbornly. So this seems like it’s come out of nowhere but, actually, it’s been years and years of preparation. Imposter’s syndrome can get in the way, but there’s a feeling of being very ready for the work that’s ahead of me.

ETA | 19 DECEMBER / STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER OPENS THIS CHRISTMAS.