Rey Skywalker actress Daisy Ridley has shared her perspective on both her upcoming movie, rumored to be тιтled Star Wars: New Jedi Order, and Star Wars in general, and her verdict is clear: this franchise has always been political. Details about New Jedi Order have been slow to come, but this upcoming addition to Star Wars movies and TV shows is evidently very much underway (after speculation it may have been canceled or delayed). Ridley is using the upcoming Star Wars movies to enter a current pressing debate, as well.
Per Inverse, Daisy Ridley addressed the political nature not only of New Jedi Order but also of Star Wars as a whole, from the beginning. Ridley explained:
“I feel like [the Star Wars films] are all political. I feel like it’s the individual versus the big corporation or the big group, so I think they always have been…And ultimately I think the films are emotional in that it’s good and evil, which we all can relate to very specifically in our day-to-day lives. But yes, I do feel those conversations are woven within the story, and I’m very excited to see what George does.”
Although there has been considerable discourse to the contrary, especially of late, Daisy Ridley is entirely correct that Star Wars has always been—and will no doubt continue to be—political.
Daisy Ridley Is Right About Star Wars & Politics
George Lucas Himself Knew That Star Wars Was Political
The truth of the matter is, Star Wars was political from day one, and George Lucas himself has made that clear. In fact, Lucas specifically faced criticism for focusing too much on politics in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and George Lucas’ comments on Star Wars’ political nature were ruffling feathers long before this most recent discourse regarding whether Star Wars is political began. With the Republic, the Senate, the Clone Wars, the Empire, and so many other political plot lines and facets of Star Wars, this franchise is overtly political.
As Ridley also voiced in her interview, the politics at play in Star Wars are universal. While specific characters and storylines may draw inspiration from real-life events and particular countries, wars, and/or historical figures, the fight for freedom has always been at the fore in Star Wars, and that fight extends far beyond any one political party, event, or time period. As was clear in A New Hope and has continued in the most recent additions to the Star Wars timeline, this franchise is about standing up for what’s right and pushing back against oppression. That’s political.
Our Take On Star Wars & Politics
It’s Impossible To Truly Separate Star Wars From The Political
It’s admittedly a little mind-boggling that any argument could be made to the contrary at this point. Not only were the original and prequel Star Wars trilogies steeped in politics, with Palpatine specifically weaponizing the political system to obtain power as a Sith Lord, but also, more recent shows, such as Andor, have only become increasingly dedicated to exploring political themes. With Andor season 2 just around the corner, it will be difficult to ignore that the Imperial Era is all about Rebels resisting an oppressive regime.
The question for me remains: what on Earth would Star Wars be about if it wasn’t political? Yes, the franchise obviously has brilliant characters and is plenty of fun to watch because of things like lightsabers and the Force, but the backdrop of all those aspects of Star Wars is a galaxy experiencing political turmoil. Star Wars has always been about heroes who fight back against injustice, no matter the odds or the personal sacrifice, and it sounds like Star Wars: New Jedi Order will only reinforce that message all the more.
Source: Inverse
