How a scavenger from Jakku became the new generation's Luke Skywalker
In short: When Lucasfilm sought a new hero, they didn't just want a warrior; they wanted an outsider. Born from a vision of a female Jedi origin story, the character of Rey was designed to bridge the gap between the old legends and a new, disenfranchised era of the Force.
The creation of Rey was a deliberate attempt to explore the journey of the ultimate outsider. Originally known as 'Kira' during early production, the character was envisioned by Kathleen Kennedy as a successor to Luke Skywalker. Writers and directors aimed to portray a scavenger from the desert planet Jakku—someone whose background as a disenfranchised loner would necessitate a prolonged, complex journey of self-discovery.
The character's development was deeply tied to the casting of Daisy Ridley. Seeking an actress without preconceived notions, director J.J. Abrams chose Ridley, who had previously only appeared in one other feature film. While Ridley initially felt insecure during a seven-month audition process, Abrams was struck by her 'great spark' and ability to command a moment. Her performance brought a specific nuance to the role; she intentionally slowed her British-accented speech to create a 'softer' character, even as she portrayed a formidable fighter.
Rey's lineage and connections provide the saga's most significant narrative twists. While initially appearing as an abandoned orphan, it was later revealed in The Rise of Skywalker that she is the granddaughter of the resurrected Emperor Palpatine. This connection extends to her relationship with Kylo Ren, with whom she shares a 'Force dyad'—a bond described by co-writer Chris Terrio as being 'twins of fate.' Ultimately, Rey chooses to honor her mentors by adopting the name Rey Skywalker, completing her transition from scavenger to Jedi.
Musically, the character's essence was captured by John Williams. Eschewing a purely heroic fanfare, Williams composed a 'mature and thoughtful' motif. He designed the musical grammar to be adventurous yet infused with empathy, reflecting the complexity of a character who is as much a survivor as she is a hero.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rey (Star Wars)
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