Daisy Ridley on the Star Wars Collaboration That Never Was

Daisy Ridley has recently spoken about a project that nearly saw her working alongside Alden Ehrenreich, well before their forthcoming film, The Last Resort. In a candid conversation, Ridley shared her thoughts on the missed opportunity and how, after a decade, the pair are finally set to appear together in a new romantic comedy.

Missed Chances and New Beginnings

Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Ridley recalled a time when she and Ehrenreich were both considered rising stars, each catching the attention of Lucasfilm. The two were originally attached to a film that, for reasons beyond their control, never materialised. Despite this, a friendship blossomed between them, and Ridley expressed genuine delight at the prospect of finally collaborating with Ehrenreich.

I signed onto [The Last Resort] before I knew Alden was doing it. Alden and I were supposed to do a movie together ten years ago. It ended up not happening, but we became buddies, so I was really thrilled when he came on

Years later, their paths have converged once more, this time in a genre far removed from the galaxy far, far away. The Last Resort offers them a chance to share the screen, something Star Wars fans never witnessed in the original films.

From Sci-Fi Icons to Romantic Leads

Ridley, best known for her portrayal of Rey, and Ehrenreich, who took on the mantle of Han Solo, both made their mark in the Star Wars universe. Yet, their characters never interacted on screen. Ridley noted that she often gravitates towards roles marked by solitude, though she insists this is not a deliberate choice. Her latest role, however, appears to break that pattern.

The Last Resort, which I made with Alden, really does buck that [loneliness] trend. I got to be around people. I mean, there is an element of loneliness to the person I play in that, but she really finds so much joy in the people around her. So it was really fun to do that

She also acknowledged that questions about Star Wars are likely to arise during the film’s promotion. For those hoping to see the two actors together in that universe, their partnership in this new film may be the closest they come.

What to Expect from The Last Resort

The Last Resort, directed by Donald Petrie, is a romantic comedy featuring Ridley as Brooke, a determined hotel executive eager to prove her worth as the heir to her father’s business. The story follows her journey to the Philippines, where she meets Ben, an expatriate pilot played by Ehrenreich, who introduces her to a different pace of life. As their relationship develops, Brooke must weigh her ambitions against her growing affection for Ben.

The film’s script is written by Karen McCullah, with a supporting cast that includes Sam Neill, Tia Carrere, Jo Koy, and Beck Bennett, alongside several well-known Filipino actors. While a release date has yet to be announced, anticipation is building for this fresh pairing of two familiar faces from the Star Wars franchise.

For those keen to revisit the actors’ earlier work, all Star Wars films and series are available to stream on Disney+ in the United States.