From the very beginning, the “galaxy far, far away” has thrived on its ensemble casts. The current sequel trilogy is no different, as it made household names of stars like Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. Now fans will have to bid farewell to beloved characters like Rey and Finn in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Fear not, Star Wars fans. J.J. Abrams’ new film might be the last we see of this set of characters. But you can still check out a ton of other films featuring the trilogy’s standout cast. Here are a few we recommend checking out.
‘Attack the Block’ (2011)
Prior to Star Wars, this sci-fi-horror-comedy from writer/director Joe Cornish was Boyega’s calling card. In the film, the actor plays a teenage gang leader who gets wrapped up in trying to thwart an alien invasion. Yes, the film is just as much fun as it sounds like.
Boyega has since appeared in bigger films like The Circle — opposite Emma Watson — and Pacific Rim: Uprising. But Attack the Block is the one that jumpstarted his career. Plus, Cornish proved he is more than a one-film fluke with 2019’s vastly underrated The Kid Who Would Be King.
‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ (2013)
Even when The Force Awakens hit theaters, Oscar Isaac’s star was already on the rise. In the year before his Star Wars debut, the actor appeared in no less than four movies, including this Coen brothers release. Despite its $13 million domestic gross, most fans would still rank this among Isaac’s best.
In the film, the actor plays a struggling, self-sabotaging musician. As such, Isaac shows off not only his dramatic chops but also his singing voice and guitar skills. It’s a tour-de-force performance that we had to include on our list, especially since it also features fellow Star Wars actor Adam Driver.
‘Ex Machina’ (2015)
Isaac makes a second appearance on our list with writer/director Alex Garland’s directorial debut. This Oscar-winning sci-fi thriller should be an easy choice for any Star Wars fan looking for something intelligent and eminently geek-friendly.
The film follows a programmer — Star Wars actor Domhnall Gleeson — who wins the chance to collaborate with his mysterious boss on a top-secret project. As it turns out, the assignment in question involves humanoid robot Ava (Alicia Vikander). All three actors deliver standout performances in what is ultimately a chilling, thought-provoking masterwork.
‘Lady Macbeth’ (2016)
Midsommar and Little Women breakout Florence Pugh — next star to appear in Black Widow — takes the lead in this historical drama. But it makes our list because of the supporting role played by Naomi Ackie. The actress is a newcomer to the Star Wars saga, taking on the role of Jannah in The Rise of Skywalker.
Despite its title, Lady Macbeth isn’t a Shakespeare adaptation. Rather, the film is based on Nikolai Leskov’s novella Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District. Pugh plays a young bride who enters into a torrid affair, while Ackie is her housemaid Anna. Though she has a supporting role, Ackie proves she has genuine acting chops and a promising career ahead.
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (2017)
Unlike co-stars Isaac and Driver, Daisy Ridley hasn’t quite been able to land a big lead role outside of Star Wars just yet. Perhaps this is because she’s become so closely associated with her breakout character of Rey. Nevertheless, she makes a fun addition to this murder mystery.
Based on the Agatha Christie novel, this film stars Kenneth Branagh — who also directs — as renowned detective Hercule Poirot. Ridley plays a governess and one of the many passengers Poirot suspects of foul play. This is the perfect film for moviegoers who recently saw and loved Knives Out.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20.
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