The Daisy Ridley Action Movie Star Wars Fans Need To Watch

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At the time when Daisy Ridley was chosen as the main character in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” many fans were not familiar with her, being a relatively unknown British actress. She had only a few acting credits to her name at that point, mostly minor roles or even non-speaking parts in various UK television shows such as “Casualty,” “Toasts of London,” and “Mr. Selfridge.” However, landing a significant role in a popular movie franchise likely set Ridley on the path to becoming the next prominent British actor in Hollywood.

Despite spearheading the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, Daisy Ridley has encountered difficulties in securing successful film roles since then. The most notable project she’s been part of after 2015 is “Murder on the Orient Express,” filmed following “The Force Awakens.” However, over the past eight years, it seems to have been one disappointment after another. In fact, many of her recent films haven’t even had widespread releases. Her most significant role was in the critically panned post-apocalyptic sci-fi action movie “Chaos Walking,” while lesser projects like “Sometimes I Think About Dying,” “Magpie,” and “Young Woman and the Sea” were box office failures, with few people even aware of their existence.

In 2025, her recent project titled “Cleaner” is garnering attention. Although it didn’t make a significant impact at the box office and was overlooked by many when it premiered in cinemas due to limited distribution, it’s now gaining traction on Netflix.

Cleaner is cleaning up on Netflix

Initially having a modest reception in its home country, the U.K., “Cleaner” managed to generate only $400,000 in the U.S. markets. Consequently, many Americans were not familiar with this film. However, now that it’s streaming on Netflix, it’s gaining traction and garnering praise from viewers. Remarkably, it has climbed up Netflix’s Top 10 movies list, a significant achievement considering its theatrical failure months earlier.

Martin Campbell, renowned for directing “Goldeneye”, guides the film “Cleaner”. In this production, Ridley portrays Joey Locke, a British Special Forces veteran who turned window cleaner after leaving service. During her work, accompanied by her brother, an extremist group named Earth Revolution, led by the cold-blooded villain Clive Owen, launches a lethal attack on the building where Locke is cleaning windows. Caught in the gunfire, her brother gets injured. With her military background, Joey takes up the responsibility to halt the violence and prevent the terrorists from seizing control.

Although receiving a 52% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has garnered significant success on Netflix, resulting in a higher audience approval. Comparable to today’s version of “Die Hard,” viewers are appreciating its impressive action scenes and unexpected plot twists. The film reached the pinnacle of Netflix’s charts, peaking at #1, revitalizing Ridley’s fame and offering fans a tantalizing sneak peek into what could have been if her career had followed the predicted trajectory after “The Force Awakens.

Will Daisey Ridley’s post-Star Wars career finally take off?

Ever since “The Force Awakens,” Ridley has faced a string of unfortunate film experiences, but if “Cleaner” becoming Netflix’s top-rated title shows us anything, it’s that viewers are eager to tune in for quality content featuring her. With numerous box office disappointments under her belt, it seemed like the movie industry had let her slip through the cracks. However, could this streaming success revive interest in Hollywood and bring her back into focus?

In 2023, it was revealed at Star Wars Celebration that Ridley would return to the galaxy far, far away, spearheading a new “Star Wars” film, potentially even a series, focusing on her character Rey and her efforts to rebuild the Jedi order. However, as of 2025, there are rumors suggesting that this project has been delayed due to Disney and Lucasfilm grappling with the best approach to revitalize “Star Wars” in cinemas. With Ridley’s recent streaming success, there’s a possibility that those in charge might reconsider the project again, as fans express their desire for her return on screen. If the film “Cleaner” comes to fruition, it could signify a change for Ridley, as studios acknowledge her star quality and talent can contribute to a successful movie when combined with a strong concept.

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2025-07-28 00:30