'It's worthwhile': Daisy Ridley has high expectations for Star Wars return

Daisy Ridley says her return to 'Star Wars' is "worthwhile".

The 31-year-old actress will reprise her role as Rey in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's movie 'Star Wars: New Jedi Order' and explained that she decided to join the project for the quality of the story rather than the chance to work with the famous franchise's first female director.

Asked how Sharmeen would influence the sci-fi series, Daisy told Variety: "The short answer is I don't know. I'm excited to do the job, but not because Sharmeen is a woman.

"No spoilers, but she gave me a rundown of the entire story. If it weren't amazing, I would have been like, 'OK, call me in five years.' But it's worthwhile."

Daisy also explained that she isn't concerned about making a 'Star Wars' movie without her co-stars from the sequel trilogy – including John Boyega and Adam Driver – as she has developed as an actor in the intervening years.

The 'Sometimes I Think About Dying' star said: "I don't know what is what or who is who (in the new movie). So much has happened for me (since the Skywalker saga). I feel like a grown-up now.

"When I first started, I was, like, 20. I was the youngest on set. It took me the first two 'Star Wars' films to feel worthy of being there. Now I'm in my 30s. The whole thing feels quite different. I've been able to work with other filmmakers, and hopefully, I've got better as a performer."

Daisy recently confirmed that the picture – slated for release in May 2026 - would be taking the franchise's story "in a bit of a different direction".

She told AlloCine: "I think it’s a really fantastic exploration of the 'Star Wars' world.

"It’s a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction."