Daisy Ridley as Rey in the Star Wars Franchise
Daisy Ridley is the actress who portrayed Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, which includes The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The character Rey is a scavenger from the desert planet Jakku who becomes a central Jedi figure in the sequel era. The trilogy was produced by Lucasfilm, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, and the sequel trilogy became part of the company's core content strategy for its streaming and theme park divisions.
The franchise generated substantial box office revenue across the three films. The Force Awakens earned approximately $2.07 billion worldwide, The Last Jedi earned approximately $1.33 billion, and The Rise of Skywalker earned approximately $1.07 billion, according to public box office data. These figures position the sequel trilogy among the highest-grossing film series in the industry. The films were supported by extensive merchandise, licensing, and cross-platform marketing tied to Disney's consumer products and interactive entertainment segments.
Daisy Ridley's Career Before and After Star Wars
Before Star Wars, Daisy Ridley appeared in British television series and independent films, including a role in the BBC drama Silent Witness and the short film Blue Season. She was cast as Rey after a global search by Lucasfilm, which prioritized acting ability and screen presence over prior fame. Her casting was announced in 2014, and the role marked her transition from a relatively unknown performer to a globally recognized actress.
After the sequel trilogy, Ridley took on roles in films such as Chaos Walking (2021), Murder Mystery 2 (2023), and the animated feature Magpie (2024). She has also been involved in producing and advocacy work related to environmental and social causes. Her public profile remains tied to the Star Wars franchise, with continued appearances in related media and events organized by Lucasfilm and Disney.
Financial and Industry Impact of the Rey Character
The Rey character contributed to significant merchandise and licensing revenue for Disney and Lucasfilm. Star Wars merchandise sales have consistently ranked among the highest in the entertainment industry, with action figures, apparel, and collectibles generating billions in retail sales globally. The character's design, including the yellow lightsaber introduced in The Rise of Skywalker, became a focal point for toy lines and fan engagement campaigns.
Lucasfilm's parent company, The Walt Disney Company, reported substantial segment revenue from its Parks, Experiences, and Products division, which leverages Star Wars intellectual property. Star Wars-themed areas, such as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, opened at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, with Rey as a central character in the immersive experiences. Public financial reports and investor materials from Disney highlight the franchise's role in driving attendance and spending across its direct-to-consumer and parks businesses SEC filings.