Rey’s strong — but soft, too
“I think the reason she’s so wonderful is that she’s nuanced. Her emotional story is vast.”
Daisy Ridley, on her character Rey
LOS ANGELES — Daisy Ridley sits in an armchair, receiving supplicants from the press. It’s just another day in the massive global undertaking that is promoting “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” It’s the first postGeorge Lucas saga entry and Ridley, 23, the London native who plays Rey, sat down with The Chronicle for a question-and-answer session. Q: How long have you been promoting this? A: Started in April. (laughs) So, a loooong time. Q: How did Rey evolve over the six-month shoot? A: She got softer, sure. It’s funny because everyone always describes her as this strong person. I think the reason she’s so wonderful is that she’s nuanced. Her emotional story is vast. But the softness was definitely a big thing, letting her be more open to what was going on. And she ended up being incredibly open, open to new relationships. ... There’s a line in the trailer, you can hear it – she’s not going, (sobbing) “I’m no one, oh my God.” (becomes casual) “Look, I’m no one.” To her, that just is what it is. Q: Rey uses a staff for combat? A: It’s a weird thing to wrap your head around when you’ve never done anything with any kind of weapon. But then it came quickly. Our stunt team is absolutely incredible, so under their guidance … I do look kind of kick-ass, so that’s cool. I’m not a violent person at all; I hate violence, loads. So I wouldn’t want to use any of those skills (in real life). Q: Carrie Fisher said you’d definitely have stalkers. Did she give you any advice? A: She told me not to get through the crew like wildfire. Fantastic. Then she told me not to listen to her advice. (laughs)