Daisy Ridley is trading her lightsaber for MMA gloves! Get ready to see the Star Wars alum tackle the incredible true story of Bryony Tyrell, an ICU nurse who became a phenomenal cage-fighting champion.
TL;DR: The Quick Hits You Need to Know!
- Daisy Ridley, best known as Rey from Star Wars, is officially cast to star as real-life MMA fighter Bryony Tyrell in the upcoming biopic titled Killa Bee.
- Bryony Tyrell is an astonishing individual: an Intensive Care Unit nurse, a mother of two, and a highly accomplished professional mixed martial artist with a 4-6-1 record, who fought in promotions like Cage Warriors and Bellator.
- Production for Killa Bee is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with Tyrell herself actively consulting on the script and creative development to ensure an authentic portrayal.
Lightsabers out, boxing gloves in! Daisy Ridley, our very own Rey from the Star Wars galaxy far, far away, is taking on a super different, but equally powerful, role. She's officially set to star in Killa Bee, a brand-new biopic that promises to tell the incredible true story of Bryony Tyrell, a woman whose life story sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood script – only, it's all real!
If you're wondering who Bryony Tyrell is, prepare to be absolutely amazed. She's not just any MMA fighter; she's a real-life superhero who effortlessly balances two incredibly demanding worlds. Imagine juggling intense shifts in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as a dedicated nurse, armed with a master's degree in nursing and a degree in molecular biology, all while training rigorously and competing as one of Britain's leading cage-fighting prospects. Yeah, that's Bryony Tyrell, and Daisy Ridley is ready to bring her extraordinary spirit to the big screen.
Unveiling the Dual Life of an NHS Hero and Pro Fighter: Who Is Bryony Tyrell?
Bryony Tyrell's journey is truly one-of-a-kind. By day, she's navigating the high-stakes, life-and-death challenges of the NHS, offering critical care to patients. By night, she transforms into a fierce and formidable competitor in the professional mixed martial arts octagon. Her path into combat sports started at university with kickboxing, where she earned her black belt, before she branched out into various other martial arts disciplines like kung fu, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling.
She honed her formidable skills through amateur competitions before courageously moving into the professional ranks, where she has won several titles. Her professional record stands at 4 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, competing in major promotions such as Cage Warriors and Bellator. Her pro debut was in 2013, and she was last seen competing in May 2023. She even had the privilege of training under the mentorship of Rosi Sexton, a true pioneer in UK MMA and a former UFC athlete! And if balancing nursing and fighting wasn't enough, Tyrell has also engaged in extreme sports like skydiving and base jumping. It's safe to say she's no stranger to high-pressure environments and physical risk, skills that undoubtedly translate to the cage.
Daisy Ridley's Personal Excitement About Portraying This Inspirational Story
Daisy Ridley herself is clearly stoked about bringing Bryony's inspiring and emotionally resonant story to life. She's no stranger to intense physical roles, having wielded a lightsaber with incredible finesse for years as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. What's even more fitting is that Ridley actually trained extensively in MMA for her role in the 2023 action film The Cleaner, so she already has some valuable real-world combat sports experience to draw upon for this challenging character.
"Bryony's story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience. I was deeply moved by her emotional and empowering journey. I can't wait to bring her spirit to the screen."
— Daisy Ridley on starring in Killa Bee
The Dedicated Creative Team Shaping 'Killa Bee' and Its Production Schedule
Getting such a personal, impactful true story right requires a dedicated and empathetic creative team, and Killa Bee appears to have exactly that. Kenton Oxley is set to direct the film, working from a compelling screenplay penned by Ruth Sewell. What makes this team particularly special is that Kenton has a long-standing friendship with Bryony Tyrell, dating back to their school days. This deeply personal connection means he brings a unique, trusted, and fiercely loyal perspective to telling her story, ensuring authenticity and emotional truth.
Bryony isn't just a subject of the film; she's an active and crucial participant in its development! The producing team, which includes Knockout Productions, Picture Perfect, and Moviehouse Entertainment, with Lucinda Thakrar, Mark Vennis, and executive producer Michael Foster at the helm, has confirmed her deep involvement. They've stated that Bryony Tyrell has been engaged with the project alongside Kenton Oxley since its very inception. She's actively consulting on the script, and the entire storytelling process has been carefully shaped in close dialogue with her family, guaranteeing that the narrative maintains both emotional accuracy and creative integrity at every turn.
International sales for Killa Bee are being handled by Capture, who will be launching the project at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM). As for when we can all expect to see this inspiring tale hit the big screen, production is currently slated to kick off in the second quarter of 2026. While that might feel a bit far off, it provides the entire team with ample time to meticulously prepare and ensure every detail of Bryony's remarkable journey is captured perfectly.
Navigating Other Major Projects: What This Means for Daisy Ridley's Star Wars Return
Of course, for many dedicated fans, the biggest question on their minds is: what does this mean for Daisy Ridley's highly anticipated return as Rey in the upcoming New Jedi Order movie? This exciting Killa Bee announcement makes it clear that while Rey's next chapter is certainly still on the horizon, it's not Ridley's immediate next project to begin filming.
The New Jedi Order film, which currently has Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy set to direct and George Nolfi working on the screenplay (with George Lucas also credited, likely for his foundational contributions to the Star Wars universe), has faced its share of production delays. Recent reports indicate that filming for that particular Star Wars installment might begin in 2026, which would place it around the same general timeline as when Killa Bee is scheduled to start production. The New Jedi Order is expected to be set approximately 15 years after the events of 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, with Rey Skywalker leading the charge to rebuild the Jedi Order. However, it's worth noting that writer George Nolfi is reportedly making "some changes to the plot," so the exact narrative focus could still evolve.
So, while we eagerly await more concrete details on Rey's next grand adventure in the galaxy, Daisy Ridley is definitely not slowing down. Besides her compelling role in Killa Bee, she's also in post-production for a romantic comedy titled The Last Resort and recently delivered strong performances in the action-packed The Cleaner and the suspenseful The Marsh King's Daughter. Ridley is consistently showcasing her incredible versatility and range, proving she's much more than just a Jedi, and we can't wait to see what she does next!
Daisy Ridley taking on the powerful and inspiring role of Bryony Tyrell in Killa Bee promises to be a captivating and truly memorable cinematic experience. It’s a compelling story of extraordinary courage, unwavering resilience, immense strength, and the incredible dual life of an everyday hero. We absolutely can’t wait to see her step into the octagon and brilliantly bring this remarkable woman’s journey to the big screen!
Frequently Asked Questions About Daisy Ridley's 'Killa Bee' Movie
- When is "Killa Bee" expected to be released to audiences?
While there is no official release date announced for Killa Bee yet, principal photography and production are currently scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026. More specific details on the release timeline will likely be shared after filming is completed.
- Is Bryony Tyrell truly an MMA fighter and also a dedicated nurse?
Yes, absolutely! Bryony Tyrell is a real-life individual who has impressively balanced her demanding career as an ICU nurse in the UK with becoming a highly respected and competitive professional MMA fighter. Her story is genuinely as incredible as it sounds.
- Will Daisy Ridley still be appearing in the next Star Wars movie?
Yes, Daisy Ridley is still widely expected to reprise her iconic role as Rey Skywalker in the upcoming New Jedi Order film. However, its specific production timeline and exact plot details are still being finalized. Killa Bee is a completely separate project that Ridley is tackling alongside her Star Wars commitments.
- Has Daisy Ridley undertaken specific fight training before this role?
Yes, she has! Beyond her extensive combat training required for her role in Star Wars, Daisy Ridley also specifically underwent rigorous MMA training for her starring role in the 2023 action film The Cleaner. This background will undoubtedly serve her well in portraying Bryony Tyrell.
Sources for This Article's Information
- CBR.com - Daisy Ridley's Latest Project Is Not the New Jedi Order, But an MMA Biopic
- Deadline.com - Daisy Ridley To Star In True Story ‘Killa Bee’ About ICU Nurse Turned MMA Fighter
- MMAMania.com - Daisy Ridley To Star As Bryony Tyrell In ‘Killa Bee’
- ComingSoon.net - Star Wars’ Daisy Ridley to Star in MMA Movie Based on Real Fighter
- JoBlo.com - Daisy Ridley will step into the octagon as MMA fighter Bryony Tyrell for the film Killa Bee