Daisy Ridley has opened up about how her career success affected her health after she shot to fame starring in the Star Wars franchise.
The British actress, 32, made her film debut in 2015 as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
However, the star has now admitted she felt significant anxiety and stress after becoming the face of the major film project which left her developing ‘leaky gut’.
In a new interview with The timesthe actress shared some insight into her experiences at the time and discussed how high levels of anxiety led to stomach ulcers.
She said: “Basically it was leaky gut,” before noting that she was just “devastated” from filming.
Daisy Ridley has opened up about how her career success affected her health after she shot to fame starring in the Star Wars franchise
The British actress, 32, made her film debut as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015
‘I had never traveled that much or done press conferences before, and my body deals with stress in a very physical way, so I was feeling an emotional response to traveling all over the world, people saying hello to me on the street. And I said, “What’s going on?” And worrying.’
The star also revealed she was worried about whether or not she was the right choice for the role, claiming it took a long time for her to feel completely confident.
It comes after it was revealed in January that Daisy would reprise the role of Rey for a new Star Wars film.
And Star Wars director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, 45, becomes the first woman and first person of color to direct a feature film for the franchise.
Sharmeen made her name as an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker before directing two episodes of the Ms. Marvel series.
Throughout her career, she has received two Academy Awards, seven Emmy Awards and a Knight International Journalism Award.
Now the filmmaker is directing the next Star Wars film, Star Wars: New Jedi Order, which will begin filming this year.
Speak with CNN on New Year’s Eve, Sharmeen said: ‘I am very excited about the project because I think what we are going to create is something very special.
However, the star has now admitted she felt significant anxiety and stress after becoming the face of the major film project which left her developing ‘leaky gut’.
“We’re now in 2024 and it’s time for a woman to step forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away.”
The film is written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and Daisy Ridley has been confirmed to return to play Rey.
While it is unknown who else from the cast will return, such as John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Kelly Marie Tran, the film is reportedly set Set 15 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.
CNN reported that the film will be released in 2026 after Sharmeen hinted that shooting will begin soon.
At a Star Wars Celebration event in London in April last year, it was announced that Sharmeen would be taking on the role of director.
She excitedly posted on Instagram: ‘It’s been a whole day in London…The news is OUT! I’m so excited to direct the next Star Wars movie and bring @daisyridley back to the galaxy…
‘I’ve always been drawn to the hero’s journey and the world definitely needs more heroes! – the blueprints of the heroes we see on screen are rooted in reality – I have met real heroes all my life, who have overcome the most oppressive empires and fought against impossible odds and that for me is the core of Star Wars. That’s why I was drawn to the promise of a new Jedi Order…
“And why I’m particularly excited to be immersed in a Jedi Academy with a powerful Jedi Master…”
Fans were happy for Sharmeen as they took to the comments to share their support.
It comes after Star Wars director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, 45, (pictured in 2022) will become the first woman and first person of color to direct a feature film for the franchise.
Star Wars: New Jedi Order will begin filming this year and it has been confirmed that Daisy Ridley will return to play Rey (pictured)
One wrote: ‘Big congratulations @sharmeenobaidchinoy ‘May the Force be with you!’
Another said: ‘I’m so excited to see what you cook! Not only to see Rey again, but also to see what kind of story you and the writers will tell! Super super excited!’
Another commented: ‘Congratulations @sharmeenobaidchinoy. A woman who has continuously broken barriers for women in Pakistan. What a proud moment!’
It was also announced that James Mangold will direct a film based on the first Jedi to discover ‘the Force’. 25,000 years before the original trilogy.
Dave Filoni, the director of the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka and involved in numerous Star Wars projects, will direct a new film set between episodes six and seven.
The film will use elements from the old Expanded Universe and will serve as a conclusion to storylines in several Star Wars series, including The Mandalorian.
Sharmeen, pictured with Daisy in April 2023, said: ‘What we are going to create is something very special. We are now in 2024 and it is time for a woman to come forward.”
It comes after it was announced at a Star Wars Celebration event in London last year that Sharmeen would be taking on the role of director.