My feeling is that we will be digging up behind-the-scenes stories about the newStar Warsvolumes for decades after we get done with this latest round of films, fromThe Force AwakensandRogue Oneto the Han Solo movie and whateverColin Trevorrowhas in store for Episode IX. For now, however, we’re still finding out tidbits aboutThe Force AwakensandEddie Redmayneof all people added one story to the pile today.
Though he’s long said that he was brought into audition for the role of Hux, which eventually went toDomnhall Gleeson, Redmayne says he now believes he was in line for the role of Kylo Ren, the now iconic villain played byAdam Driver. During an upcoming interview with UPROXX’s Mike Ryan, Redmayne recalls his audition with the casting director, which sounds like the most high-pressure situation imaginable in Hollywood. You can read Redmayne’s full answer below, but I must say I’m glad Redmayne didn’t end up with the role. Not only is Driver absolutely riveting in the role, Redmayne does better with joyful humanity than curdled, violent idealism. I might only point out his performance as the main nemesis in the borderline unwatchableJupiter Ascending. And now that he’s the giddy hero ofFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, this seems to have all worked for the best on the whole.
Here’s the excerpt fromUPROXX’s upcoming interview with Redmayne:
You mention auditioning for the same roles as Domhnall Gleeson a lot. When you auditioned forStar Wars, did you audition for Hux?
No. So, I was going for, I think, for Adam Driver. They gave me like aStar Trekscene – or like something fromPride and Prejudice. It was one of those films. With filmsthattop secret, they don’t give you the actual lines. So they give you a scene fromPride and Prejudice, but then they tell you you’re auditioning for the baddie. If you’reme, you then put some ridiculous voice on.
That was really a hilarious moment. Because it was Nina Gold, who I have to thank a lot because she’s cast me in several films. And she was just sitting there and I was trying again and again with different versions of my kind of “koohh paaaah” [Darth Vader breathing sound] voice. And after like ten shots she’s like, “You got anything else?” I was like, “No.”
