Those who witnessed Danny Rayburn’s exquisite manipulation of his family in Netflix’s new drama seriesBloodlineknow what a sympathetic, fascinating and utterly complex villainBen Mendelsohnis capable of bringing to the table. So it’s very exciting that he has been announced as the main bad guy in the firstStar WarsspinoffStar Wars Anthology: Rogue One. No details have been announced regarding the character he will play. But it is known that he will be after a group of Rebel fighters intent on stealing plans to the first Death Star, with a story that leads right intoStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.
Disney and Lucasfilm have no comment on the news ofBen Mendelsohn’s casting as the villain at this time. While the actor also wouldn’t comment on the role in recent interviews, he did open up a little bit more about the prospects of joining theStar Warsthis past week as he promoted his co-starring role in the new WesternSlow West.Ben Mendelsohnplayed coy, tellingCollider:
“I’ve been lead to believe this, quite strongly. No one is going to be more thrilled, if that turns out to be the case, than me. I was the perfect age when that exploded onto the consciousness. I was right in the sweet spot when the film came out, and that film meant and still means an incredible amount to me. For the 7-year-old me, it’s mind-blowing. I saw it in the cinema in 1978, or whatever it was. It’s awesome, is what it is. Now, I don’t know what happens with any of that, but even to have that said, I couldn’t have believed or dreamed that things would end up going the way they’ve gone. I would have saved myself a lot of worry. There would have been a lot less unpleasant school experiences. I could have gone, “Well, people are going to be seriously talking about me for Star Wars, in 30 or 40 years. Don’t worry about it. It will all turn out all right.” It’s pretty good.”
Also recently announced wasDiego Luna, who will play a Rebel Fighter. The two actors join a cast that includes leadFelicity Jonesas well asRiz AhmedandSam Claflin. None of the characters have been revealed at this time. Shooting is expected to begin soon in London at Pinewood Studios, whereStar Wars: The Force Awakenswas filmed spring of last year.Gareth Edwardsis directing this first Anthology film, which will arrive in December 2016.
