Is Andy Serkis Tackling Multiple Roles In Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

After Disney effectively broke the Internet on Friday morning with the release of the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, fan chatter began in earnest. Analysis, theories, grumbles… you name an angle and a topic and it’s been thoroughly decimated with a fine-toothed comb by diehard Wars fans.

One of the biggest mysteries to arise, however, concerned the identity of the voiceover artist. Many pegged it as Benedict Cumberbatch, whose name was linked to the sequel in the early days, but failed to materialize in later publicity. Luckily, a couple of intrepid sites received solid intel verifying that the actor lending his voice to the sinister voiceover was none other than Andy Serkis.

Since it was announced that Serkis was cast in the film, many naturally assumed his part would be of the mo-cap variety. After all, he’s made a name in creating some truly remarkable performances in the Planet Of The Apes and Lord Of The Rings series. Now it seems that mo-cap or no-cap, there’s the possibility that he’ll actually be playing TWO roles.

The rumour originated over at Jedi News (via Collider), where the site has it on good authority that Serkis will deliver one of each type of performance. Here’s the full quote pulled from the site:

One of those roles is, as expected, motion capture based – and in that role he will be part of a “group of unbelievably athletic and acrobatic motion capture characters.” Also bringing those characters to life is parkour expect Pip Anderson, and “whom I [the source] believe to be Crystal Clarke.”

The second role for Serkis sees him take on a “pivotal role in the first act story arc that entwines with Daisy Ridley’s backstory,” and that role “may have more to it than it seems in the first instance.”

As a rumour, it certainly plays to Serkis’ strengths. He’s put in a number of phenomenal turns in both modes of acting, and we wouldn’t put it past J.J. Abrams to make full use of his versatility. However, as it’s yet to be verified – we’d advise placing this tidbit firmly into the rumour mill before drowning it in a ton of salt.

But that’s just us – what do you think of Andy Serkis tackling more than one role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens, opens in theaters December 18, 2015. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan & Abrams, and features a cast including actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow.

They will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker. The film is being produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk, and John Williams returns as the composer. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is Episode VII in the Star Wars Saga.”