Daisy Ridley has revealed what Carrie Fisher whispered to her during their hug that is seen in the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker trailer. Ridley is well known in the Star Wars community at this point, having played the character Rey since Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. Fisher is obviously a bit more known in Hollywood, with her character Leia Organa being incredibly popular ever since her first appearance back in 1977.
While the actress will always be remembered for her Star Wars role, Fisher sadly passed away in 2016 at the age of 60. Despite her passing away, her character still had a significant role in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Surprisingly, the character survived the events of the movie, leaving fans to wonder how and if Leia would return for Star Wars Episode IX. Last July it was revealed that Fisher wouldn't return with CGI or another actress, but instead through deleted footage from The Force Awakens, as well as The Last Jedi. One scene from the Rise of Skywalker trailer that is using this older footage is an emotional scene where Rey and Leia hug.
With the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker now less than a year away, Vulture was able to sit down with Ridley to talk about all things Star Wars. One of the things Vulture asked Ridley was about the emotional embrace fans can see in the trailer. When asking if she remembered the context behind the scene, which was filmed for The Force Awakens, Ridley replied,
"I do! It’s not a million miles away from what this scene is. It was very sad. I found it very moving to watch it, because I do remember the original. And it’s a strange thing to do, for someone that’s not around anymore to be brought back to life. It’s eerie that it resonates so much with what the story is this time. It’s pretty amazing.
"She was actually whispering, “This is a f***ing long hug.” [Laughs.] I was trying to do my acting, like, “Oh my god, Carrie!” There wasn’t any discussion about what we were gonna do."
While Ridley and Fisher are both appearing in The Rise of Skywalker, they will be accompanied by plenty of fresh faces. Keri Russell will be playing a character named Zorri Bliss, although not a lot is known about her mysterious role just yet. Naomi Ackie has also been cast in the film as the character Jannah, with many people believing that Jannah is Lando Calrissian's daughter. Lando himself (played by Billy Dee Williams) will also be returning to the franchise, marking his first appearance in a Star Wars movie in 36 years. Palpatine has also been confirmed to make a return, although it isn't known how big of a role he might play in the sequel.
Fans were likely relieved to hear that Fisher wouldn't be revived for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker using CGI, but her appearance in the film will still be bittersweet none the less. With as pivotal of a role as she had in the original trilogy, J.J. Abrams will no doubt pay tribute to the fallen Princess in a way that fits the plot of the film and is meaningful to fans. What Fisher said to Ridley may not be quite what fans expected, but it is a great reminder of Fisher's sense of humor that can never be replaced.
Source: Vulture
