With his own directorial debut – the biographical drama, Breathe – about to arrive in cinemas, prolific performer Andy Serkis is making himself available to the press for promotional purposes. As a cast member in some of the biggest movie franchises currently being made, however, those conversations inevitably stray into non-Breathe territory – and one such topic to be covered is his role as Supreme Leader Snoke in the Star Wars saga.
When the mysterious villain first appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he sent fans into a frenzy of speculation – wondering who he is, and where he comes from. While Serkis himself has stated that he does indeed have the answers to those questions, he is also, understandably, sworn to secrecy by Lucasfilm.
Though the character features prominently in the latest trailer for The Last Jedi, it’s the fact that Star Wars: Episode IX will now be helmed by J.J. Abrams that the media’s been questioning Serkis the most about. The actor therefore addressed the director change situation with notable diplomacy, saying:
“Everyone wants to make the best film, and sometimes, for some reason, it just doesn’t work out. And sometimes it is creative differences. I don’t really know too much about that situation, other than it was an agreeable parting. I haven’t had a chance to speak to [J.J Abrams]. Because of life. [But] I am so thrilled for him.”
While it was conspicuous that original Star Wars: Episode IX director, Colin Trevorrow, departed the project after the death of Carrie Fisher and the script re-writing process that resulted from the sudden loss, there’s certainly something to be excited about with regard to the character of Snoke – given that it’s the same writer-director that first introduced him that’s returning to make what will presumably be his final revelations. Hopefully, this will guarantee some level of consistency surrounding the intriguing figure, who’s the source of such frustrated questioning on the part of Star Wars fans at the moment.
The saga continues with Star Wars: The Last Jedi on December 15th, with Star Wars: Episode IX then scheduled to arrive on December 20th, 2019.