Though Star Wars: Episode IX is tasked with wrapping up the arcs of several Original and Sequel Trilogy regulars, the film will still find time to bring a few newcomers into mix, all of whom remain shrouded in mystery.
In the absence of official information, the internet has seen a whole load of rumors and theories make the rounds, including a fair few predictions regarding the role of Richard E. Grant. In the last week, for instance, many fans have started to suspect that the actor will assume the part of a familiar character from the franchise based on his claim that “the room went upside down” when J.J. Abrams told him the name of the person he’s playing.
Nonetheless, Grant’s comments in a newly published interview with Radio Times may suggest otherwise, with the actor claiming that the character is all his.
“I hadn’t thought of it like that, but the character is just mine!” Grant said when asked about the opportunity to leave his mark on a new character. “I don’t know about the action figure or whether there will be one, but this is pretty amazing.”
Given the intense spoiler security measures that the star is reportedly under, we probably shouldn’t expect any more clarity on the matter for the time being, but as tight-lipped as Lucasfilm is about J.J. Abrams’ upcoming trilogy-closer, Grant assures us that the developments being kept under wraps are worth all the secrecy.
“Oh, it’s definitely worth it,” the actor said. “If you’re a Star Wars fan, and I am, then knowing what’s coming in this is quite something. I absolutely understand why they’re so secretive about it, because it’s very exciting.”
Until Lucasfilm is ready to provide some answers, the fans will no doubt continue to speculate about everything up to and including Grant’s role. With a few exceptions, most of the theories suggest a villainous part for the actor, and for a while it was even a popular prediction that he was playing Grand Admiral Thrawn of Star Wars Rebels fame until Grant himself flatly denied the rumor last year.
But regardless of his role in the Sequel Trilogy finale, all will be revealed when Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20th, 2019.
