'Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker' Spoilers: Ridley Teases Tragic End for Rey

After a bit of confusion about Rey’s involvement in future Star Wars movies, Daisy Ridley herself weighed in this week to confirm that Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker will be her last appearance in the franchise. That might be a disappointment for any fans hoping to see more Rey in future movies, but it could also be a worrisome clue about her fate in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Is Rey about to die?

Speculative spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker below.

While promoting her latest film Ophelia, Ridley appeared on BuzzFeed’s “AM to DM,” and, unsurprisingly, she was asked about Star Wars. There has been speculation that the actress would reprise her role as Rey in the next Star Wars trilogy, but Ridley quickly put an end to the rumors. “I’m not in the next trilogy, no,” she said.

Ridley also seemed to indicate that there wouldn’t be any cameos in her future, either. When asked whether she’d want to come back to the universe, her response was vague. “I mean, it’s a great universe. I’ve had a great time.”

Ok, so we probably won’t get any more Rey after The Rise of Skywalker, but what does that mean for Rey’s storyline in Episode IX?

There’s a high possibility that Ridley won’t be able to return because Rey will die sacrificing herself in The Rise of Skywalker. That’s a sad thought considering all that she’s been through, but heroes die sometimes, and Rey would be no exception. Perhaps she’ll sacrifice herself to prevent the First Order’s plans or die while trying to take down Kylo Ren.

To fuel the fire of this possibility, there’s also the fact that Ridley cried when The Rise of Skywalker director Colin Trevorrow told her what he had planned for Rey’s ending. Of course, it’s unclear how much of Trevorrow’s script remained intact after J.J. Abrams took over directorial duties, but since Lucasfilm has at least some control over the story’s outcome, the ending might have been set in stone regardless of who came on as director. And what else would bring Ridley to tears besides Rey’s death?

If this sounds familiar, it’s because Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke shared a similar reaction after finding out the fate of her character, Daenerys Targaryen, in the series finale (spoiler alert: she dies). Of course, Dany also became evil before her death.

We’re not saying that will necessarily happen to Rey (but it could). Regardless, just finding out a character you played for years will die is enough to bring most actors to tears.

Then again, maybe Rey won’t die. She could simply rise through the ranks of the Resistance or even become a Jedi Master.

Rey never completed her training, but she’s dressed like a Jedi in the Rise of Skywalker trailer. She also has those Jedi books, and it’s possible Luke could show up as a Force ghost in Episode IX to deliver a final lesson.

Or maybe Daisy is lying. Or maybe she genuinely doesn’t know what Lucasfilm has planned. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Rey show up in another Star Wars film 10 years from now (or even in 50 years).

Then again, if our original interpretation is correct, the only way Rey will show up in any Star Wars movies set after The Rise of Skywalker will be as a Force ghost.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters December 20, 2019.