OnlyOnAOL: Daisy Ridley drops hints about 'gorgeous, fantastic' new 'Star Wars'

Donna Freydkin

By: Donna Freydkin

It's not hyperbole to say that Daisy Ridley is famous. Very, very famous.

After all, she's Rey, the female lead in the rebooted "Star Wars" franchise. She's got her own action figures and Halloween costumes.

So yes, it was a refreshing change for Ridley to produce the documentary "The Eagle Huntress," about Aishol-pan, a 13-year-old girl who trains to become the first female in 12 generations of her Kazakh family to be an eagle hunter.

"I feel very lucky that they wanted me to be part of it, really. It's such a gorgeous film. I was so touched by it," says Ridley. "I don't think they knew who I was. That was so nice. They might have watched ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens") on the plane."

For her, it was all about the story of this unique family. "I loved the relationship between her and her father. It shows a community that most of us know nothing about," says Ridley. "Honestly, I did not do that much work."

Sony Pictures Classics and The Cinema Society Host a Screening of "The Eagle Huntress"
Sony Pictures Classics and The Cinema Society Host a Screening of "The Eagle Huntress"

She plays down how much effort she put into the documentary, but admits that it was no easy feat.

"It was difficult at times. It got to minus 50. The equipment was breaking. But they had a great time. It was gorgeous. The whole thing is very positive," says Ridley. "Really, it was an easy ride. I'm getting credit for not much work."

Next up for Ridley, among a slew of other projects, is the insanely anticipated "Star Wars: Episode VIII." She's worked pretty much nonstop but you'll never hear her moan about it.

"I love to work so much. I've taken vacations. I've eaten wherever I wanted to eat. I've spent time with people. I'm enjoying every moment," she says.

Even though she does get recognized -- sometimes. "I don't go to places where it's going to be an issue. I get on the tube. When people do come up, they're super nice. I don't usually carry a staff. If I have my hair back, then people tend to realize who I am," she says.

Sony Pictures Classics and The Cinema Society Host the After Party for "The Eagle Huntress"
Sony Pictures Classics and The Cinema Society Host the After Party for "The Eagle Huntress"

As for hints about the next "Star Wars," Ridley gave us an early preview. Of sorts.

"It's set in space. It's a gorgeous, fantastic story. There's a big old journey for a number of characters. I'm very excited for it to be out," she says.

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