Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker currently sits at a 52% critic rating and an 86% audience rating, a notable difference from the 91/43% split of the contentious Last Jedi. However, that doesn't mean the last entry in the Skywalker Saga was without its detractors, quite the opposite in fact.
Many are split over the film and have taken that conversation online where everyone can see, including Rise of Skywalker actress Daisy Ridley (Rey Skywalker). The conversation seemingly reached its pinnacle in January 2020, as it was "not that nice," according to Ridley.
"Where's the Love gone," she says, likely in reference to the warm welcome that Star Wars: The Force Awakens received, the highest rated film across the Sequel Trilogy. It's clear, she even acknowledges, that Star Wars is something fans love, and those fans are entitled to their opinion. She goes on to say:
"I guess now conversations are just more public, so there’s stuff I wouldn’t have seen, but honestly trying to scroll through my newsfeed in January and trying to not see Star Wars stuff, I’d see headlines and be like 'Oh my god this is so upsetting.' So it’s been tricky, but then it’s having that thing of I feel really proud of it, and I’m so thrilled to be part of it."
Ultimately, some fans will love the direction the Sequel Trilogy took, whereas others will not. It's the nature of such a fandom, but there's a history here much longer than Rise of Skywalker. The Prequel Trilogy received its own backlash, to the point that Jar Jar's actor felt suicidal at one point. With that in mind, hopefully fans will approach conversations about the franchise with respect for all, including actors.
Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker is available now.
Source: IGN