One of the most eye-catching creature reveals to come out of yesterday’sRogue One: A Star Wars Storypanel during the ongoing “Star Wars Celebration” was the above-seen critter, a furry, cackling gunner who promises to be one of the film’s most unique additions to theStar Warsuniverse. Though little was offered up yesterday in the way of info, a new panel today shed a little more light. That new creature? Let’s just call him Space Monkey.
AsMTVreports, “Space Monkey” - not his real name, of course - is a practical-effect creature who will be making his debut inRogue One. He’ll star alongsideFelicity Jones,Diego Luna,Mads Mikkelsen,Forest Whitaker,Jiang Wen,Donnie Yen,Alan Tudyk,Riz Ahmed,Ben Mendelsohn, andGenevieve O’Reilly.
Be sure to check back throughout the weekend for much more of our ongoing “Star Wars Celebration” coverage, including on-the-floor reporting from our ownPerri Nemiroff.Rogue One: A Star Wars Storyopens in theaters on December 16th.
Take a look at some stills of the new creature, along with a shot of Space Monkey in action (on stage):
During the panel,Star Warscreature shop chiefNeil Scanlansaid of Space Monkey’s true identity:
“He has a name but I’ve forgotten it.”
While his name hasn’t been confirmed just yet, those of you who scoped out the leaked concept art from aRogue Onebook a while back might remember a possible name for this critter, but “Space Monkey” will do for now. The practical design was necessary for Edwards' free-flowing directorial style and allowed the performer to act with both the agility and freedom of expression needed for this character. If you’re looking for another cute, roly-poly addition like BB-8, look elsewhere; Space Monkey don’t give a shit.
For more onRogue One, be sure to get caught up on all of our recent coverage out of “Star Wars Celebration” and beyond:
