Did Daisy Ridley Change Her Accent for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'?
As of my last update in August 2023, Daisy Ridley is known for her role as Rey in the 'Star Wars' universe. Like many astute observers, fans of the saga have noted small details that can potentially shed light on the complexities of the story. One such detail involves Daisy Ridley's accent in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. A leaked raw footage of a scene from the movie briefly showed Rey and Finn on the run from the First Order, which eventually led to official confirmation about the accents used by the cast.
The Role of Dialect Coach Andrew Jack
Andrew Jack, a dialect coach, is listed on the official website as having worked on 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. His primary tasks included helping the cast pronounce alien words and speak in various alien languages within the Star Wars universe. However, his most notable credit pertains to two cast members: Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. Both of these actors are British, and it is particularly noteworthy that in the case of Daisy Ridley, her accent is listed as "RP" (Received Pronunciation), which is often associated with a 'posh' or upper-class English accent.
Implications of Daisy Ridley's British Accent
The fact that Daisy Ridley was asked to perform with a specific British accent suggests a deliberate approach to the character's background. This accent choice hints at several possibilities that could enrich the narrative within the Star Wars universe:
Finn is Not from a Core World
It is likely that the First Order, for reasons of propaganda or to incite rebellion among the troops, stations its forces in the galaxy's core worlds. However, this does not mean that the influence of the First Order reaches only one specific region. This would explain why the Resistance remains strong in these areas, as well as why conscripts from other worlds might be used. It also suggests that the Fire Order might "hire" individuals from various planets to serve in their military.
The Presence of the Coruscanti Accent on Jakku
Jakku, the planet where Rey originates, is another intriguing point of speculation. According to canon, people from the "Galactic Core" speak with a 'Coruscanti accent'. This luminescent world was the capital of the old Galactic Empire and is now the base of the New Republic. If a significant portion of Jakku's populace speaks with this accent, it could be indicative of a unique cultural or historical phenomenon within the Star Wars universe. Rey could have adopted this accent due to prolonged residence on the planet or it could be a symbol of a hidden resilience and unity among its people.
Rey's Background
Another possibility is that Rey has not lived her entire life on Jakku and that she may have migrated from another planet where the Coruscanti accent is prominently used. The accent could be a subtle nod to Rey's background, suggesting that she could come from a wealthier or more established family before she became a scavenger.
Hypothetical Scenarios
One intriguing scenario is that Rey might have been raised in an upper-class background and that she could have lost this status as she became a scavenger. Given Disney's penchant for orphan and foundling narratives, it is possible that Rey's parents or adoptive parents died between her childhood and the events of 'The Force Awakens', leaving her alone in a harsh and uncertain world.
These theories, while speculative, add depth to the character of Rey and provide potential insights into the intricate world-building of 'Star Wars'. It is clear that careful attention to details such as accent choices can reveal interesting story lines and character development, enriching the overall narrative experience for fans.
Conclusion:
The accent chosen for Daisy Ridley's character, Rey, in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' is a subtle but significant detail that can reveal much about the character's background and the world in which the story unfolds. By considering these possibilities, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of 'Star Wars' and the meticulous storytelling that goes into each of these films.