By: Selene Jade
Recently there has been news and speculation about what "major actors" might be cast in upcoming Star Wars movies. Many have suggested different Marvel actors. I feel that casting any well-known major actor would not fit with Star Wars, its traditions, or its current cast. Here is why:
One of the allures of Star Wars is its mythos - it's never been like other movies, and their casting has traditionally reflected that. Star Wars has steered clear of casting major actors in their films in main/supporting roles. I'm not including the spin-off movies because they don't tend to conform with traditional Star Wars; they've taken many artistic liberties in other areas as well, so I don't think it's a fair comparison.
"Are you saying Ewan Mcgregor, Natalie Portman and Liam Neeson aren't major actors?"
Yes - first let me clarify what I mean when I say major actors. I mean a well-known actor who is either in their prime or has a legacy that continues to permeate modern pop-culture (think Tom Hanks, or Jennifer Lawrence). Their popularity could be due to them starting in a small handful of popular movies, a large amount of smaller movies, or by being in a large franchise. I want to mention now that I know a lot of Star Wars fans are film buffs, as am I, but when I speak of popularity in terms of being well-known, I am referring to the general public, who aren't as familiar with these actors, so I am trying to show it from their perspective.
The three examples I gave are all of actors who right now are what I would call "major actors". However, in 1997 when filming started for episode I, they did not fit these qualifications. They were what I would classify as "established actors" or actors who are known for one or two recent films but have yet to really solidify themselves in that movie star role. Ewan had brought some attention to himself in Trainspotting but had yet to do many of the larger roles he's known for now such as Moulin Rouge, The DaVinci Code sequel Angels & Demons, The Impossible, or Christopher Robin (among many others). These roles were made possible because of his role in Star Wars. Star Wars is what made him become a "major actor". The same goes for Natalie Portman and Liam Neeson in terms of their status as established actors. She had been in The Professional and Heat but had yet to do V for Vendetta, Black Swan, Jackie, or Thor. Liam Neeson was of course an established actor by that time, but I still would not qualify him as the type of movie star he is today. He had done many movies, and Schindler's List made him notable, but he had yet to do Gangs of New York, Kingdom of Heaven, The Chronicles of Narnia, Taken or the Batman Begins. Star Wars has a unique ability to give these already dedicated and talented actors the exposure needed to completely change the trajectory of their careers. And its nurturing of completely unknown actors mirrors the journey they are taking us all on as we watch the films. Our journey comes alongside theirs, and we bond with both the characters and the actors throughout their experiences.
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