Daisy Ridley Opens Up About the Grueling Physical Toll of 'Cleaner' and Why the New 'Star Wars' Movie Won't Be Rushed

A Return to Action: Daisy Ridley on 'Cleaner'

Daisy Ridley is back in the action genre with Cleaner, directed by James Bond veteran Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, GoldenEye). The English actor, who became a global sensation as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, takes on the role of Joey Locke, a former soldier turned high-rise window cleaner. When an eco-terrorist group led by Clive Owen seizes a building, Joey must use her skills to save hostages—including her neurodivergent brother—while dangling from the skyscraper.

Ridley, coming off acclaimed performances in Young Woman and the Sea and the neo-noir Magpie, saw Cleaner as a perfect opportunity to return to physically demanding roles. The film opens in theaters on February 21.

The Physical Toll: 'Covered in Cuts and Bruises'

Ridley admits that Cleaner ranks among her most challenging films. 'At the end of it, I was so covered in cuts and bruises. I hit the set so hard that the lights started shaking—I thought I broke something but just bruised my bone,' she revealed. The actor also struggled with the emotional intensity: 'The emotional maintenance at that level of angst was so high that I was exhausted by the end of the shoot.'

Filming took place on sets 30 to 60 feet in the air, and Ridley—who admits she's not a fan of heights—had to simulate terrifying sequences without a harness. She worked closely with stunt coordinator 'Magic Matt' Stirling and double Estelle Piget to execute the demanding choreography. The physical cost included wrenching her shoulder and accumulating bruises, but Ridley embraced the challenge as part of her commitment to authenticity.

Quality Over Quickness for 'Star Wars: New Jedi Order'

Ridley's return as Rey in Star Wars: New Jedi Order was confirmed in 2023, but the project has undergone changes. Original writer Steven Knight left to focus on a Peaky Blinders film, and The Bourne Ultimatum's George Nolfi took over scripting duties. Ridley expressed confidence in the new direction: 'People have talked about it a lot that the release date often affects films. The freedom to make sure this script is the best way to tell the story is wonderful. I know what George is working on, and he is a phenomenal writer. The wait will be worth it.'

The film is set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker and follows Rey's efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order. Lucasfilm's shift away from Disney's earlier mandate of annual Star Wars releases means the studio is prioritizing quality—a move Ridley fully supports. 'No fans would want it to be rushed,' she added.

Behind the Scenes: 'Avengers: Endgame' and Personal Growth

One memorable moment in Cleaner involves Joey using the plot of Avengers: Endgame to explain a complex situation to her brother. Ridley laughed: 'I asked the writer if we were allowed to do that. It's so fun.' The film also explores gray morality—the terrorists' initial goals to expose environmental crimes are noble, but extremist elements push them into villainy. Ridley appreciated this complexity: 'It's not as cut and dried as many action films.'

Reflecting on her own life, Ridley joked that she's not more composed than her character: 'I'm scrappy and loud to myself. I'm a toot-tooter in the car.' She made a New Year's resolution to give herself more time to avoid rushing—a lesson that also applies to her professional projects.

Context and Career Highlights

Ridley's career has been defined by physical roles, from Rey's lightsaber battles to the swimming feats in Young Woman and the Sea. Her ability to balance blockbuster action with intimate dramas like Sometimes I Think About Dying showcases her versatility. She also co-produced Magpie, which centered on a young mother—a story that evolved from her original idea about a movie star. 'When you cast someone as wonderful as Matilda Lutz, you think, “I could never have done that anyway,”' she noted.

Looking ahead, Ridley is already developing another action-thriller with Martin Campbell called Dedication, signaling a strong collaboration. Cleaner promises to be a visceral experience that reminds audiences why Ridley became a household name—and why her return to the galaxy far, far away is worth the wait.

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