Jessica Henwick Reflects on Auditioning for Rey in Star Wars
When the search for the next great Star Wars protagonist began, few could have predicted how transformative the role of Rey would become. Ultimately, Daisy Ridley landed the part, catapulting her into the spotlight and placing her at the center of one of cinema’s most beloved franchises. Among those who also auditioned for the iconic role was Jessica Henwick, a rising star known for her dynamic performances across Marvel, fantasy, and sci-fi landscapes.
Auditioning for the Galaxy Far, Far Away
Henwick, recognized by fans for portraying Colleen Wing in Marvel’s Iron Fist and The Defenders, was one of several talented actors vying for the chance to play Rey. Reflecting on the audition process, she has been candid about the disappointment she initially felt at not being chosen. Yet, she has spoken openly about the sense of fitting destiny that followed: ‘Daisy did such an incredible job and it was 100 percent her journey to make. It wasn’t meant for me.’
Finding Her Place in the Star Wars Universe
Despite missing out on the leading role, Henwick did join the Star Wars mythos through Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She appeared as Jess Pava, a skilled Resistance pilot crucial to the mission against Starkiller Base. Jess Pava’s character, though not center stage on-screen, has enjoyed an expanded life in comics and novels, notably as a member of Black Squadron in the Poe Dameron comic and in Rebecca Roanhorse’s novel Resistance Reborn. These stories delve deeper into her contributions to the Resistance’s fight, underscoring the enduring appeal of Star Wars’ ensemble cast.
The Slow-Burning Path to Stardom
Discussing her journey in a recent interview promoting her new show Vladimir, Henwick revealed that, in hindsight, not becoming Rey was fortuitous. She explained, ‘I don’t think I am the type of person who would be able to handle that level of exposure that fast. I much prefer the slow burn.’ While Daisy Ridley’s career shifted practically overnight, Henwick has built a broad portfolio across multiple major franchises—progressing through memorable turns as Colleen Wing in Marvel, Nymeria Sand in Game of Thrones, and Bugs in The Matrix Resurrections, not to mention Peg in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and a pivotal role in the A24 film How to Make a Killing.
Jess Pava’s Future in Star Wars
Though Henwick’s on-screen presence in Star Wars is limited to The Force Awakens, the ongoing popularity of Jess Pava in both comics and literature ensures her story remains intertwined with the saga’s ever-expanding canon. Most recently, Jess appears in Star Wars (2020) #25, mourning the loss of a fellow Resistance pilot. With the character still alive in post-Rise of Skywalker timeline stories, possibilities remain open for Henwick to revisit the role, especially as projects like Star Wars: Starfighter or the anticipated New Jedi Order film continue to evolve—potentially bringing familiar faces, like Daisy Ridley’s Rey, back to the big screen alongside other beloved characters.
Continuing a Franchise Legacy
Jessica Henwick’s trajectory is a testament to the multifaceted careers actors can forge within intersecting pop culture juggernauts. From Marvel to the world of Westeros to the cockpit of a Resistance X-wing, her journey reflects both the serendipity and resilience required to thrive in blockbuster-level storytelling—a reminder that sometimes, the role you’re meant for isn’t always the one you first pursue.
