44 Across

NYT Daily • August 4, 2025

"Star Wars" saga heroine

Answer:

REY

Hint:

["Think of the character who wields a lightsaber in the newest \"Star Wars\" trilogy."]

Explanation:

The clue ""Star Wars" saga heroine" leads to the answer "REY" through a direct reference to the popular science fiction franchise "Star Wars." Rey is a central character in the sequel trilogy of the "Star Wars" saga, which includes the films "The Force Awakens," "The Last Jedi," and "The Rise of Skywalker." Rey, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, is introduced as a scavenger on the desert planet Jakku and eventually becomes a powerful Jedi. The clue straightforwardly asks for the name of a heroine from the "Star Wars" saga, and Rey is one of the most prominent female protagonists in the series.

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