In the midst of filming the blockbuster Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Riz Ahmed faced a personal battle that went unnoticed by fans of the galaxy far, far away. The British actor, known for his compelling performances, recently opened up about a harrowing health scare that landed him in the hospital during the 2015 production. Speaking on the Podcrushed podcast, Ahmed shared how his body “just kind of gave up” under the strain, leaving him grappling with fear, grief, and a newfound perspective on life. Now, a decade later, his story sheds light on the toll of intense roles and the profound lessons learned in the face of adversity. Here’s a closer look at Ahmed’s experience, how it influenced his career, and the resilience that carried him forward.
A Mysterious Illness Strikes on Set
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At 32, Riz Ahmed was stepping into one of the biggest roles of his career as Bodhi Rook, a defecting Imperial pilot in Rogue One. The film, the first standalone in the Star Wars franchise, demanded grueling physical and emotional work, with production spanning August 2015 to mid-2016, including extensive reshoots. But as filming progressed, Ahmed’s health took a sudden and alarming turn. “I was extremely exhausted,” he told Podcrushed on August 28, 2025. “My body just kind of, like, gave up on me.” The exhaustion led to a brief hospitalization, marking a turning point that Ahmed described as “super scary and intense and quite prolonged.”
What made the ordeal particularly unsettling was the lack of a clear diagnosis. “It really wasn’t clear,” Ahmed said, describing the condition as “something very silent and very intense.” The ambiguity added to the fear, as he wondered, “Am I ever going to get my life back?” The actor had to rebuild his strength from the ground up, a process he likened to “building myself up from scratch.” This health scare wasn’t just a physical setback—it was a deeply emotional journey that forced him to confront his vulnerability in a way he hadn’t before.
Finding Meaning in the Darkness
Despite the terror, Ahmed found moments of clarity amid the crisis. “I always think that when you’re brought to your knees, you’re halfway towards praying,” he reflected. The experience humbled him, stripping away the illusion of control. “You don’t even control your body,” he said, realizing that “everything is a gift.” This shift in perspective was transformative, turning a moment of despair into one of gratitude and acceptance.
Ahmed described feeling a “deep kind of grief and fear and terror” alongside a “tremendous liberation.” The paradox of being at his lowest yet feeling profoundly grateful reshaped how he viewed his life and career. “In the most strange way, I never felt more grateful, more at peace, more content than when I felt like I was going to lose my whole life,” he shared. This newfound appreciation for life’s fragility became a guiding force, influencing the roles he chose and the stories he wanted to tell.
A Catalyst for Sound of Metal
The health scare had a direct impact on Ahmed’s decision to take on the role of Ruben Stone in Sound of Metal (2019), a film that earned him his first Oscar nomination. In the movie, Ahmed plays a drummer facing sudden hearing loss, a role that resonated deeply with his own experience of losing control over his body. “When I read the script, I was like, ‘I know what this is,’” he told Podcrushed. The story of grappling with loss and finding acceptance mirrored his own journey during Rogue One. “The story you need finds you at the right time,” he added, underscoring how the health crisis shaped his connection to the project.
Sound of Metal wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was a cathartic exploration of themes Ahmed had lived through. The film’s resonance, especially during the 2020 pandemic, struck a chord with audiences. Ahmed told Entertainment Weekly in 2021 that Ruben’s journey of having “the rug pulled from under” him reflected a universal experience of loss and adaptation, one he’d felt firsthand. His performance, raw and authentic, showcased the emotional depth he gained from his own health struggles.
The Demands of Rogue One and Its Lasting Impact
Filming Rogue One was no small feat. Ahmed has spoken about the physical challenges of the production, including a particularly grueling week-long shoot for a scene that didn’t even make the final cut. In a 2025 interview with Collider, he described carrying a 50-kilo backpack prop while running through sand and dodging stormtroopers, only to learn the storyline was later reworked. The intensity of the production, combined with the pressure of joining a cultural juggernaut like Star Wars, likely contributed to the exhaustion that led to his hospitalization.
Yet, Ahmed’s time on Rogue One wasn’t just about hardship. The role of Bodhi Rook, originally a smaller part inspired by eccentric characters like Dustin Hoffman in Papillon, evolved significantly during filming. Ahmed told the Austin American-Statesman in 2016 that Bodhi transformed into a more integral member of the ensemble, reflecting the collaborative nature of big-budget filmmaking. The experience, though taxing, marked a breakout year for Ahmed, who also starred in Jason Bourne and earned critical acclaim for The Night Of.
A Legacy of Resilience and Gratitude
Now 42, Ahmed looks back on his health scare as a pivotal moment that redefined his approach to life and work. His reflections resonate with anyone who’s faced unexpected challenges, offering a reminder that adversity can spark growth. “When something is taken away from you, you become even more acutely aware of everything you have,” he said on Podcrushed. This mindset has fueled his diverse career, from his Oscar-winning short film The Long Goodbye (2020) to his recent role in the thriller Relay (2025), which premiered to positive reception at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Ahmed’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find light in the darkest moments. For American audiences, his journey underscores the universal struggle to balance ambition with well-being, a theme that hits home in a fast-paced world. As he continues to take on roles that challenge and inspire, Ahmed carries forward the lessons of Rogue One—not just as a Star Wars milestone, but as a chapter that taught him to embrace life’s unpredictability with gratitude and courage.
