(Reuters) — The “Star Wars” universe landed at London’s southbank on Tuesday (December 14), with stormtroopers standing guard at the riverside Tate Modern art gallery for the launch of the sci-fi franchise’s new standalone film “Rogue One” in Britain.
Instead of walking the red carpet in the central Leicester Square, where movie premieres are usually held in the British capital, actors Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen and Forest Whitaker showcased their film at the gallery, home to contemporary artworks.
Logos from the movie were projected on the gallery’s bare walls around the main hall, dotted with Stormtroopers.
The first spin-off movie in the space saga’s reboot since Disney bought filmmaker George Lucas’ Lucasfilm Ltd for $4 billion in 2012, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” does not follow the latest trilogy which kicked off with last year’s “The Force Awakens” box office blockbuster.
Jones, who was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking’s wife in “The Theory of Everything”, stars as new heroine Jyn Erso, who bands together with other rebels to steal the plans for destruction weapon, the Death Star. The new lead follows other popular female “Star Wars” characters such as Princess Leia and Rey.
“I look back at those early films and use them as inspiration but I definitely wanted Jyn to be her own person. Actually, one of the greatest references was looking at Harrison Ford and there were certain sequences that I’d seen in his work that were really helpful watching the “Star Wars” films and then in “Indiana Jones” he always manages to make whatever he’s doing seem really fun. Even if he’s just climbing or running. It always has a spirit of playfulness and so actually he out of everyone was one of my main points of inspiration,” said Jones.
“Rogue One” is set before Lucas’ 1977 “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” movie and also stars Mexican actor Diego Luna, Chinese actor Donnie Yen and British-born actor Riz Ahmed.
“Our film is the most grounded “Star Wars”. It’s a film about the people. This happens in the darkest times of the Galaxy when there’s no Jedis around. It’s the people who have to come out and fight for freedom. I love that. I think it’s a good message to send today,” Luna said.
The movie, which hits cinemas worldwide from Wednesday (December 15), has split movie critics. It is expected to make more than $300 million at the global box office this weekend.
Asked about “Star Wars: Episode VIII” film which follows “The Force Awakens”, producer Kathleen Kennedy said: “It’s doing great…We’re chugging along in the cutting room.”
That movie is due for release in December 2017.
