JJ Abrams' hotly anticipated reboot of Star Wars has just released the latest news item guaranteed to bring nerds' light sabers to full attention: its brand-new cast members. In addition to (delightfully) featuring the return of original stars including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, the film has seven actors freshly headlining the film.
This being the world of sci-fi action, the roster breaks down into (feminist drum roll, please!) six dudes and one. lone. female. In lieu of lamenting the complete dearth of ladies in action flicks—except OK, what the hell is up with the complete dearth of ladies in action flicks?—we've decided to dig up some facts on the woman who has been cast: Daisy Ridley.
Who, you ask? Exactly. Here's what to know.
1. She's pretty much a complete unknown
Prior to this casting, Ridley had been in, um, Blue Season (?), Scrawl (??) and Youngers (???) So basically, she just got the lightning-bolt break of her life.
2. She's British
That's right, Ms. Ridley is more proof that British thespians are way more talented and coveted than us Yankee yahoos.
3. She may have stolen the role from Lupita
Newly minted most beautiful star/general queen of awesomeness Lupita Nyong'o was reportedly in talks for the role Ridley snagged. Let's hope Lupita turned down the part and wasn't shunned, because nobody puts Lupita in the corner! (Side note: can we lament the complete dearth of racial diversity in blockbuster films?)
4. She's hot
Surprise, surprise! Ridley is a thin, porcelain-skinned knockout. Check her out in the clip below:
Beyond that, not much else is known about this woman who is about to have her entire existence turned upside down in a torrent of Hollywood adulation and speculation. Good luck, Ridley in representing female bad-assery in an action film all by your lonesome feminine self—may the force be with you.
(Now, here's hoping she's more Carrie Fisher than Natalie Portman. Shudder.)
Image: IMDB