Daisy Ridley, known for her iconic role in the Star Wars franchise, is setting her sights on a collaboration with the talented director Greta Gerwig. During a recent Q&A session in New York City, Ridley expressed her desire to work with Gerwig, especially on her anticipated Netflix adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. Ridley’s enthusiasm was palpable as she shared her bold ambition with Collider Editor-in-Chief Steve Weintraub.
“Greta Gerwig is up there,” Ridley stated when asked about her dream directors. She went on to reveal that she has already reached out, hoping to be part of the upcoming film series. “But I was like ‘it’s gonna be Saoirse Ronan,'” she speculated. Ridley admitted, “Yeah, I’m shameless.” This candid admission highlights her dedication to pursuing her aspirations as an actress.
Gerwig, who has proven her brilliance with actors in films like Lady Bird and Little Women, is set to direct at least two films for the Netflix franchise, starting the journey with The Magician’s Nephew, the prequel to the beloved series. Ridley further praised Gerwig’s talent, noting, “[She’s] so brilliant with actors, and the fact that actors keep working with her again is such a testament to her. I love her movies.” Ridley’s admiration for Gerwig is shared by many in the industry, making the potential collaboration even more exciting.
During the Q&A, Ridley also provided insights into another successful director, Martin Campbell, who she worked with on the film Cleaner. She expressed her appreciation for his distinct approach, which includes emphasizing the “musicality” in dialogue. Gerwig is known to share a similar creative philosophy, as evidenced by Margot Robbie‘s comments in a recent Variety interview. This parallel indicates that Ridley and Gerwig could develop a strong working relationship.
The first film in the Narnia series will focus on the adventures of Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, as depicted in The Magician’s Nephew. Given the recent casting calls for lead roles, excitement grows surrounding the project. While it’s unclear in which role Ridley envisions Ronan, it could be an adult Lucy or Susan Pevensie, or perhaps even the infamous White Witch, who has left an indelible mark in previous adaptations. Regardless, the potential for Ridley’s dream to manifest is alive and well.
With Gerwig’s creative vision and Ridley’s unwavering determination, the prospect of their collaboration is both thrilling and hopeful. Fans of both the actress and the director are eager for updates on the forthcoming Narnia series. As Project Narnia begins to unfold, one can only anticipate how these two incredible talents may come together to create something remarkable for audiences worldwide.
