STACK NZ 80 December

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Issue 80 DECEMBER 2016
E ver since J. J. Abrams’ stellar reboot of
the world’s most famous sci-fi
franchise flew into cinemas in record-
breaking style, all eyes have been firmly glued
to the Star Wars schedule in anticipation of the
next instalment in the timeless space opera.
Now the release date of Rogue One: A Star
Wars Story – chronologically situated between
the events of 2005’s Revenge of the Sith
and 1977’s A New Hope – has been set, and
fronting the film’s fearless band of rebels is
none other than 33-year-old British leading lady,
Felicity Jones.
And despite attracting critical acclaim in
her Academy Award-nominated turn as Jane
Hawking in 2014’s The Theory of Everything,
the thought of becoming an integral part of
the Star Wars universe is intimidating enough
for any calibre of star. “I’m very excited – it’s
exciting simply because it’s part of an iconic
history,” she explains. “I remember going to
see the films, with that classic intro, with my
cousins and brother. When I think about that
now it just seems so daunting, but exhilarating
at the same time.”
While details of the upcoming film – slated
for release in December – remain under ‘lock
and key’ according to the saga’s newest
addition, we already know that Jones will be
portraying rebel Jyn Erso alongside a cast that
includes almost as many stars as the cosmos
itself – Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Diego
Luna and Ben Mendelsohn, to name just a few.
Jones – following in the footsteps of The
Force Awakens’ Rey, portrayed by fellow Brit
Daisy Ridley – is delighted to see that the
future of sci-fi’s most lucrative franchise rests
firmly in the hands of its feisty female leads.
“I enjoy taking on challenges. Getting to be
part of a genre that is traditionally dominated
by men has become an opportunity to play a
very independent and courageous woman,”
Jones says of Erso. “She’s someone who
knows what she wants in life. I appreciate that
kind of determination. In my own life, I’m a
hard worker. I’m very passionate about what I
do – I think there are aspects of me in all my
characters.”
After working her way up through the
cinematic ranks from small-time movies to the
Hollywood behemoth that is Star Wars, Jones
is dealing with her newfound leading lady
status with an experienced and unpretentious
nonchalance.
“I’ve always had my feet on the ground; I
spent many years working in England to be
able to get to this point,” she remarks. “I’ve
also had the advantage of being part of a very
close family which has supported me and given
me good advice when it comes to making
decisions based on my instincts about the kinds
of roles and films I’ve wanted to do.
“I’ve worked very hard in pursuing my dream
and I’m really enjoying everything about this
time. It’s very gratifying and I hope to keep
finding more good roles.”
And a role in one of cinema’s most well-
loved stories will surely have one more unique
selling point: the inevitable release of a Jyn
Erso action figure.
“It’s something I haven’t given much thought
to,” she laughs. “But should it happen, that’ll be
on the mantelpiece for certain!”
Rogue One open in cinemas on December 15.
Felicity Jones drew critical praise for her performance in
The Theory of Everything. Now she's getting ready to embark
upon the role of a lifetime in a galaxy far, far away…
Words Jake Taylor
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06 DECEMBER 2016
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