Daisy Ridley Trades Lightsaber for Axe in Upcoming Horror Film "We Bury the Dead"
Daisy Ridley, known for her iconic role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, is set to return to the big screen, but this time, she’s ditching the lightsaber for an axe in the upcoming horror film "We Bury the Dead." This departure from the galaxy far, far away marks a fascinating turn for the actress, showcasing a willingness to embrace new genres and challenge her acting abilities.
The film, directed by Zak Hilditch (known for his work on the Stephen King adaptation "1922"), takes place in the aftermath of a disastrous military experiment in Tasmania, where Ava, played by Ridley, is tasked with the grim duty of retrieving bodies. The job itself is fraught with danger, but Ava’s motivation goes beyond duty. She is desperate to find her missing husband amidst the casualties, fueling a relentless search that pushes her into a terrifying ordeal.
While the premise initially feels like a typical zombie flick, "We Bury the Dead" promises to offer a fresh take on the undead genre. Hilditch described Ava as the "perfect mix of vulnerability, grit, and determination", qualities that Ridley has demonstrated in her past work. This blend of strength and vulnerability is expected to be on full display as Ava faces the horrors of the undead and navigates the emotional turmoil of searching for her lost love.
"Having Daisy play the role of Ava is an absolute dream come true," Hilditch stated in an October interview with Deadline. The director recognizing Ridley’s talent and seeing her potential to bring depth to a character caught in a terrifying situation is certainly a promising sign for the film’s potential.
Ridley herself has remained busy in the years following her "Star Wars" journey, taking on diverse roles in projects like "Young Woman and the Sea," where she portrayed Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. This showcases her commitment to exploring different genres and taking on challenging roles, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
While the wait for her potential return to the "Star Wars" universe continues, Ridley expressed her excitement for the opportunity to revisit the character of Rey. Addressing the divisiveness surrounding the sequel trilogy, Ridley noted that "Star Wars movies…bring a lot of love and joy to a lot of people." Her acknowledgment of the franchise’s impact while acknowledging the mixed fan reception shows a mature understanding of the franchise’s complexity and her commitment to the character.
"It feels pretty amazing to be able to continue a character," she told Empire earlier this year, hinting at the potential of revisiting Rey under the direction of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy in the planned "New Jedi Order" film. She also acknowledged the challenge of returning to a role after a significant period, emphasizing the personal and character growth that inevitably occurs over time.
“It’s an interesting challenge as an actor to come back to something and try to figure out what’s changed for me and what’s changed for her," she said, showcasing a dedication to her craft and a keen awareness of the complexities of acting.
"We Bury the Dead" was first announced last October and is slated to premiere in November at the Adelaide Film Festival in Australia. Whether Ridley’s foray into the horror genre is a temporary departure or a long-term evolution in her career remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: she’s not afraid to push boundaries and take on roles that challenge her as an actor, showing a dedication to expanding her artistic range beyond the confines of a beloved franchise.
This willingness to explore new territories and embrace challenging roles is indicative of a bright future for Ridley, both in the world of "Star Wars" and beyond. While fans eagerly anticipate her potential return to Rey, her commitment to expanding her repertoire promises to deliver captivating performances in diverse genres, solidifying her place as a force to be reckoned with in the world of film.
