Was Cailey Fleming in Star Wars?

Many fans of both The Walking Dead and Star Wars may recognize the talented young actress Cailey Fleming. Best known for her portrayal of Judith Grimes in the long-running zombie drama, Fleming’s career spans several high-profile projects. But did she appear in the iconic galaxy far, far away?

To answer quickly — yes, Cailey Fleming was in Star Wars. Despite her young age, she made a notable appearance in one of the most beloved film franchises in history. Her role, though brief, holds a special place in the hearts of fans due to the character she portrayed and the significance of the scene.

Her Role in the Star Wars Universe

Cailey Fleming appeared in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, which was released in 2015. She was cast to play a young version of one of the film’s central characters: Rey. This is especially notable because Rey is the main protagonist of the sequel trilogy, portrayed as an adult by Daisy Ridley.

Fleming played Young Rey in a flashback sequence that offered emotional insight into the character’s mysterious past. In the scene, Rey is seen being left behind on the desert planet of Jakku, crying out as an unidentified ship flies away — presumably leaving her in the care of the junk dealer, Unkar Plutt.

The Scene’s Impact

Though it was a brief scene, it had a powerful impact. The audience had only just begun to uncover Rey’s story, and the moment added emotional depth to her character. Since viewers were already trying to piece together who Rey’s parents were, this sequence sparked intense discussion and theory-crafting among fans.

Fleming’s performance, though limited in screen time, effectively conveyed the shock, abandonment, and sadness of a child left behind — emotions that would become central to understanding Rey’s motivations throughout the trilogy.

How Cailey Fleming Was Cast

While details of the casting process are scarce, it is known that Fleming was only around 7 years old when she played Young Rey. This role was one of her first in a major Hollywood blockbuster. Director J.J. Abrams and the production team at Lucasfilm likely saw in her the emotional range needed to portray such a pivotal moment in Rey’s backstory.

From this appearance in The Force Awakens, Fleming would soon land more roles, gradually establishing herself as a talented child actress with a promising future.

Other Notable Roles

Following her Star Wars debut, Cailey Fleming continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. Some of her most significant roles include:

• Judith Grimes in The Walking Dead — A key character in the final seasons of the hit AMC series. Her performance earned widespread praise for maturity and emotional depth.
• Young Sylvie in Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe) — Portraying a younger version of a major alternate timeline character in the Disney+ series.
• Appearances in television shows and commercials that showcase her ability to adapt to various genres and storytelling styles.

Lasting Legacy in the Star Wars Saga

Though her time in Star Wars was short, Cailey Fleming will always be part of the sprawling Star Wars universe. Her portrayal of Young Rey helped set the emotional tone for a complex and much-discussed character. Even today, fans revisit that flashback scene and praise the subtle but meaningful performance of the young actress.

Rey’s story continued to unfold throughout the sequel trilogy — through The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker — but that singular moment of being left behind on Jakku remained one of the most poignant glimpses into her past. And it was Cailey Fleming who brought that moment to life.

Conclusion

So, was Cailey Fleming in Star Wars? Absolutely. Her role as Young Rey in The Force Awakens may have been brief, but it was emotionally powerful and critically significant to the overarching narrative. This appearance marked an early milestone in her acting career and showcased her immense talent — something that has continued to shine in her subsequent roles.

Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, The Walking Dead, or simply interested in rising stars in Hollywood, Cailey Fleming is certainly a name to watch.