LOS ANGELES, April 11 (UPI) — Mark Hamill wished “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” co-star Daisy Ridley a happy birthday Sunday.
The 64-year-old actor marked the occasion by sharing a photo of himself and Ridley outside the “Star Wars: Episode VIII” set in Buckinghamshire, England. Hamill and Ridley play Luke Skywalker and Rey in the Star Wars movies.
“A long time ago (last week I think) in a galaxy far, far way (@PinewoodStudios) THIS happened! Happy Birthday Daisy!” the star captioned the picture.
The photo shows Hamill and Ridley channel Luke and Yoda, with Hamill pointing ahead while on Ridley’s back. The pose is reminiscent of the moment in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” when Luke carries Yoda during his Jedi training.
“Star Wars: Episode VIII” began principal photography in February and will open in theaters Dec. 15, 2017. Ridley discussed the film with MTV News at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards, which took place Saturday and aired the next day.
“I think the progression Rey’s making and the people she’s meeting and the relationships she’s making now are kind of more important than where she comes from,” the actress said of her character’s unknown parentage.
“I think it’s darker [than “Episode VII – The Force Awakens”],” she added. “I don’t know if I am a Jedi. I don’t think I am. We have this debate about whether Leia [Carrie Fisher] is because she uses her Force powers [but] isn’t like, ‘Oh, I’m going on an adventure.'”
Fans immediately speculated Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is Rey’s mom after “Star Wars” spinoff “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” released a first trailer last week. Ridley dismissed the rumors, saying, “Just because she’s white and got brown hair … doesn’t mean she’s my mom.”
Ridley appeared on the series “Silent Witness” and “Mr. Selfridge” before starring in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” She is in talks to star in a reboot of “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.”
