20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: The Force Awakens

There are few blockbuster movie roles in recent years that were as aggressively sought out as that of the sequel trilogy's protagonist Rey.

A multitude of high-profile actresses either auditioned or were considered for the part, including Elizabeth Olsen, Jennifer Lawrence, Felicity Jones, Saoirse Ronan, Shailene Woodley, and Jessica Henwick.

But Abrams ultimately decided that, reflecting the casting choices of the original trilogy's heroes, it made more sense to pick a lesser-known actress who wouldn't bring any major baggage or existing associations to the part. And so, Daisy Ridley won out over far more established competition.

In Elizabeth Olsen's case she actually ended up turning down the audition because she'd recently signed on to play Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it's certainly easy to appreciate how actors like Saoirse Ronan and Jessica Henwick would bring something interesting to the part.