Daisy Ridley is set to return to Star Wars in a sequel to The Rise of Skywalker, though progress on that project has stalled. At the same time, she may be stepping into a new role with more potential: the lead in a film adaptation of the graphic novel Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant, a property Disney has held since 2016 but left untouched.
Created by Tony Cliff, the 2013 comic follows a 19th century adventurer with a flying boat who robs a corrupt Sultan in Constantinople, partners with an ally named Selim, and escapes guards, pirates, and every obstacle in her way.
Industry scooper Daniel Richtman has linked Ridley to the project, though no timeline has been given. If confirmed, it may follow her planned return in Disney’s New Jedi Order film, which is still mired in delays.
Ridley has circled comic book roles for years, from Spider-Woman to rumored Marvel parts, but none panned out. Delilah Dirk might finally be the chance to anchor a franchise of her own, one not weighed down by decades of studio mismanagement. Disney’s handling of Star Wars has left fans divided and the once-reliable brand adrift. A fresh adventure built on a lesser known property could give Ridley room to redefine her career without carrying the baggage of failed expectations.
Disney saw potential in Delilah Dirk nearly a decade ago but never moved forward. With audiences showing fatigue toward the standard superhero lineups and disappointment in the direction of Star Wars under Disney’s leadership, a globe-trotting adventure with Ridley could arrive at the right time.
The studio has not announced production details, but if Delilah Dirk finally moves ahead, it could be the project where Ridley finds the momentum that Star Wars under Disney has failed to deliver.
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Karina Smitt
I'm not as much of a "CoMiCs NeEd MoAr DiVeRsItY & iNcLuSiOn" advocate as my girlfriend often is, but we both love funny books, crispy bacon, straight bourbon and hip hop. Add yet, we never vote the same, so we cancel each other out... and that works perfectly in my book!
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