When Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres on December 20, the final film in the saga will welcome newcomer Naomi Ackie to the fold. While not much is known about her character, she and costar Kelly Marie Tran were only too happy to share their excitement for the franchise with Screen Rant. Not only did the actresses provide a glimpse into Rose’s activities since The Last Jedi, they also gave their philosophical opinions on the importance of Baby Yoda.
We’re finally here. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. I don’t know if I’m ready for it to end, but I’m excited for it. Kelly, first question for you. What has Rose been up to since The Last Jedi?
That’s great. She’s just pushing papers around.
Kelly Marie Tran: Rose has been doing that day-to-day resistance paperwork, you know what I’m saying?
Naomi Ackie: Bureaucracy!
Kelly Marie Tran: Bureaucracy, it’s everywhere. She’s very much in like the day-to-day operations in the Resistance this time.
For you, [Naomi], you’re a new character being introduced to this world. Can you tell me a little bit about your character? Without giving anything away.
Naomi Ackie: She’s at the desk, like she’s a receptionist.
Kelly Marie Tran: I mean, that’s how I feel.
Many Star Wars fans believe that that your character is Lando’s daughter, and I’m sure you’ve heard that. We’re gonna find out.
Naomi Ackie: Yeah, totally. Her name is Jannah… She’s a warrior. She lives on this oceanic planet in the middle of nowhere, and she helps. And I think that’s kind of what Star Wars is about; normal people just going, “Actually, I can help out here, so I’m going to.” So, I think that’s what she does.
Rose and Finn, where does their romance possibly stand in The Rise of Skywalker?
Naomi Ackie: We’ll see. You are gonna find out - you are.
Kelly Marie Tran: So, pay that $19.50.
Everything’s gonna be a secret. Here’s what’s not a secret; let’s talk about Baby Yoda.
Kelly Marie Tran: Where does it possibly stand? Ooh, I can’t tell you.
Naomi Ackie: That’s a secret.
What do you guys think about Baby Yoda?
Naomi Ackie: Let’s do it!
The last film was your first time in the Star Wars universe, Kelly. Did you have any advice for Naomi coming into the world of Star Wars?
Kelly Marie Train: He’s so adorable!
Naomi Ackie: I was about to be really facetious and be like, “He’s horrible!” But no, he is -
Kelly Marie Tran: So adorable.
Naomi Ackie: I do think they did such an amazing job on the design of Baby Yoda. I feel like Star Wars did it on purpose. They were like, “We’re in a really divisive time and we need something to bring the world together. Baby Yoda.” And then they just made Baby Yoda. They’re geniuses.
Kelly Marie Tran: And it worked.
More: J.J. Abrams Interview for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Kelly Marie Tran: I don’t like the word advice, because I feel like that’s a weird thing. Everyone’s experience is so different. I will say that I think what was really beautiful about the way that we met is that we were able to sort of immediately relate on so many different levels. We’ve sort of had a lot of similar experiences.
Naomi Ackie: We’re near the same age; we have so much in common. Creatively, we think the same. And also, we both had normal day jobs before this. I was working in a pub when I auditioned for Star Wars.
Kelly Marie Tran: I was an office assistant.
Naomi Ackie: Yeah, and you were an office assistant.
Kelly Marie Tran: For a paper company.
Naomi Ackie: Much like Rose! So, I think there was that feeling of just being thrust into this new world.
- Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Release Date: 2019-12-20