Another month gone, another month closer to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Interest in the first Star Wars spinoff movie is starting to grow after the release of the film’s first trailer earlier this month. That hype has been exacerbated thanks to a pair of recent interviews with Star Wars: Rogue One actor Mads Mikkelsen. The former Bond villain and Hannibal actor initially spoke on Sky News, which iDigitalTimes’ own Andrew Whalen wrote about on Thursday, but now Mikkelsen has revealed even more details about his character and Rogue One with an interview for the UK’s Evening Standard.
Mikkelsen began by confirming the presence of “iconic characters” from the original trilogy in Star Wars: Rogue One. Such a description certainly alludes to the likes of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo (still alive in Rogue One’s timeline), Princess Leia, Chewbacca, the droids and perhaps even more. So, who exactly will show up? “Some of them – but I would reveal too much,” Mikkelsen said. “There are iconic characters in our film and also characters you have never heard of. It’s a mix.”
More than likely, Mikkelsen is referring to Darth Vader, who was at the height of his power during the era of Star Wars: Rogue One. Numerous reports already suggest the Sith lord will make an appearance, but his role has yet to be officially confirmed. Still, this is highly encouraging news for those who complained about the lack of lightsabers in Rogue One’s trailer. And if Darth Vader is making an appearance, don’t be too surprised if Emperor Palpatine features as well. He certainly fits the bill of “iconic.”
Mikkelsen then revealed a fascinating development that was previously unknown to the media or Star Wars fans. Flashback sequences will play a major role in Star Wars: Rogue One. As of now we know that they will center around Jyn Erso’s (Felicity Jones) childhood and relationship with her father (Mikkelsen). “I spend a lot of time with [Jones] and she’s a wonderful actress,” said Mikkelsen. “I play her dad at the time of Felicity and I play her dad when she’s younger, so we jump back and forth in time.”
Mikkelsen’s reveal is a pretty big deal considering Star Wars films have never utilized the classic flashback technique. J.J. Abrams subtly pulled it off with Rey’s Force vision’s in The Force Awakens, but that wasn’t a bonafide leap back in time. Flashbacks in Star Wars: Rogue One means that director Gareth Edwards really is changing the formula of the galaxy far, far away. Gone is the classic Jedi adventure tale and in is a legitimate war film complete with flashbacks.
What do you think about Mikkelsen’s comments? Are flashbacks a mistake? Which “iconic characters” will return in Star Wars: Rogue One? Let us know in the comment section below! Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters Dec. 16.
