Simon Pegg Skirts Around Comments Alluding to Role in Star Wars

By: Lillian Skye

The flame behind the ongoing rumor that Simon Pegg will have a role in J.J. Abrams' Episode VII continues to be fueled by offhand comments, skillfully crafted answers, and well timed pauses.

This past week, Benedict Cumberbatch may have confirmed Pegg's involvement in Episode VII:

“I think J.J. is very good at creating something original out of something known," Cumberbatch told MTV News when he was asked about a possible involvement with the Star Wars franchise, "and I think apart from his continuing use of Simon Pegg — and who can blame him, frankly — it made sense not to do it.”

Whether or not Cumberbatch was simply pointing out the fact that Pegg has been involved with many of Abrams' recent projects such as Star Trek and Mission: Impossible, the rumors continue to flourish that the Spaced actor will be in Episode VII.

"J.J. uses me in different roles, and we’re good friends," said Pegg in response to Cumberbatch's comments. "I feel like my face in Star Wars would pop people out of the movie. Look, I love Star Wars, and I don’t want people to watch and go, Oh, there’s Simon Pegg’s face. The film is cleverly cast with these amazing, unknown actors.

When asked if he wasn't going to be in the movie, Pegg brought up his visit to the Episode VII set. "It’s amazing, and I love Star Wars. I want to see everything happening. It looks wonderful, and you need to believe those characters. Any type of stunt casting might just pop you out of the movie."

Last month, Episode VII actor Andy Serkis confirmed that his Imaginarium will be used for Star Wars. If Simon Pegg claims that his face would be too distracting in a Star Wars film, then perhaps he would be a useful candidate to play a motion capture character? Only time will tell.

Sources: Jedi News, MTV, Vulture

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