Daisy Ridley on the Intense Physical Demands of Cleaner and Why She’s Glad Star Wars Isn’t Being Rushed

Daisy Ridley is back in action mode with Cleaner, the latest thriller from director Martin Campbell, known for Casino Royale and GoldenEye.

After spending the last couple of years exploring different genres—including the sports drama Young Woman and the Sea, the quirky dramedy Sometimes I Think About Dying, and the neo-noir Magpie—Ridley was ready to return to physically demanding roles. The opportunity to work with Campbell sealed the deal, and their collaboration has been so successful that they’re already developing another action-thriller together, Dedication.

In Cleaner, Ridley plays Joey Locke, a former soldier turned high-rise window cleaner. Her routine job takes a dangerous turn when a group of radical activists hijack a shareholder event at a corrupt energy company. As chaos unfolds, Joey—who’s still dangling from the building—becomes the only hope for the hostages inside, including her neurodivergent brother, Michael (Matthew Tuck).

Filming was physically brutal.

“At the end of it, I was covered in cuts and bruises,” Ridley told The Hollywood Reporter. “There was one moment where I hit the set so hard that the lights shook. I thought I broke something, but I think I just bruised my bone. The emotional intensity was also exhausting.”

A Decade Since Star Wars

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly ten years since Ridley first appeared as Rey in The Force Awakens (2015). Since the sequel trilogy wrapped in 2019, the big question has always been when she’d return to the galaxy far, far away.

That answer came in 2023 at Star Wars Celebration when Ridley made a surprise appearance to announce her return as Rey in New Jedi Order, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. The film, set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, follows Rey as she attempts to rebuild the Jedi Order.

Initially, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was set to write the script, but after the WGA strike and his commitment to the Peaky Blinders movie, he stepped away. Now, The Bourne Ultimatum writer George Nolfi has taken over, and Ridley is confident in the project.

“I love that they’re prioritizing quality over speed,” she said. “Fans wouldn’t want it rushed. The wait will be worth it. I know what George is working on, and he’s a phenomenal writer.”

Facing Fears and Pushing Limits in Cleaner

Though she’s no stranger to action, Cleaner pushed Ridley to her limits. She’s afraid of heights, so when Campbell suggested filming on top of a real building, she was relieved when insurance wouldn’t allow it.

“I was still 30 feet in the air for most of it, sometimes up to 60 feet,” she said. “Even though it was make-believe, it was terrifying.”

She worked closely with an incredible stunt team, including her stunt double, Estelle Piget. “She’s phenomenal,” Ridley said. “I’ve worked with some of the best stunt teams in England, and they’ve all been amazing.”

What drew Ridley to the role wasn’t just the action, but the complexity of the story. Joey isn’t a hero in the traditional sense—she’s just trying to protect her brother.

“I loved that the film exists in a moral gray area,” Ridley explained. “The activists start with good intentions but get overtaken by extremists. Joey isn’t trying to save the bad guys—she’s trying to save her person.”

Cleaner’s Unexpected Marvel Connection

One surprising moment in Cleaner involves a reference to Avengers: Endgame, which plays a key role in Joey’s bond with her brother.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, are we allowed to do this?’” Ridley said with a laugh. “But I guess we are! The relationship between Joey and Michael is complicated, and in that moment, explaining things through Endgame just made sense.”

Looking Ahead

Outside of Cleaner and Star Wars, Ridley continues to explore new creative avenues. Her film Magpie, which she co-created with Tom Bateman, originally focused on a different character before evolving into something new.

As for Bateman, Ridley teased that he’s currently working on something big. “It’s not quite Star Wars-level, but it’s on a larger scale,” she said. “I keep asking when the script will be ready!”

With Cleaner hitting theaters soon and New Jedi Order in development, Ridley’s future is as exciting as ever. Fans may have to wait a little longer for her next Star Wars adventure, but according to Ridley, it will be well worth it.