1st black female lead in Skywalker saga says wearing natural hair in 'Star Wars' has empowered young fans
"The Rise of Skywalker" is officially in theaters and one of its breakout stars explained what it was like to be not only a newcomer, but the first black female lead in the Skywalker saga and how it has felt to set an example for young fans who look like her.
Naomi Ackie spoke to "Good Morning America" live from London on the opening day of the highly anticipated final "Star Wars" film.
"Its been a whirlwind -- I've learned so much," she said. "I'm just so excited for everyone to finally see it I've been keeping the secret for so long."
The actress, who plays a warrior fighting in the resistance, said "it means a lot" to be the first prominent black woman in a leading role for the legendary saga.
"The most meaningful thing is when parents send me messages about like wearing natural hair in a film like this and how their daughters or even sons feel empowered by seeing that," Ackie said. "It's about kids as much as the fans and it feels good to help people feel good."
Ackie said she has traveled the world thanks to the final "Star Wars" film, which included a trip alongside co-star Kelly Marie Tran to NASA headquarters in Houston, Texas.
"I'm an astronaut now," the actress joked. "We were trained, we learned a lot about -- the evolution of astronauts, we ate space food, tested out lunar gravity which is insane -- it was just a great experience."
Ackie also said that she has been long suited for her role as Jannah, the horseback riding warrior who carries and shoots a bow and arrow throughout the film.
"I made a bow and arrow and used to shoot it around my house -- when I was like 6 -- it paid off," she said.
Which makes sense why she asked Kathleen Kennedy, the producer of the movie, to take home some of the props from her part.
"I've never stolen a thing in my life, so I actually asked permission from Kathleen Kennedy," she said laughing. "I actually took Jannah's headgear and one of her archery gloves. So I did it that way so they would hire me again."
Ackie said learning to ride horses was "super special" and the most exciting part of her training for this role.
"I've never ridden before, I'm from London so there's no horses around anywhere and by the end I got so good that I could ride without using my hands," she said of her newfound skill.
