The Rise Of Skywalker actress Naomi Ackie sought advice from cast mate Kelly Marie Tran on how to develop a ‘thick skin,’ and deal with the abuse and pressures that have been shown to come with working in the Star Wars franchise.
In a sad reflection of our fandom, and wider society, Ackie revealed that she spoke with Tran for advice, after Tran herself suffered disgusting sexist and racist abuse following her appearance in The Last Jedi.
Now, Naomi Ackie has explained to Metro.co.uk at the BIFA nominations announcement that she looked to her co-star for advice on entering the franchise – and dealing with any nay-sayers.
As for whether she was feeling any pressure, the Jannah actress explained: ‘Luckily, there’s so much time between knowing that you’re doing [the film], preparing for it, filming it, editing and reshoots.
‘You have so much time to contemplate all of that stuff. But at this point I feel like I’m in a good place, I’m ready for people to see it. ‘And, hey, I think it’s gonna be great. If people don’t like it, they don’t like it. And if they don’t like me, that’s alright.’ She went on to add: ‘I think watching the experience of Kelly Marie Tran and talking to her, I got a lot of inspiration from her about how to grow a thicker skin when it comes to people’s opinions of not just your work, [also] who you are.
‘There’s a difference. That’s a challenge but I’m fired up. I feel good about it ultimately.’
