Top 10 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Facts
Rogue One: A Star Wars story is a big step for the franchise, departing from the original film series, and eager fans cannot wait to see this incredible new adventure film. WatchMojo presents the Top 10 Amazing Star Wars Facts. Did you know about the films controversial Reshoots, James Earl Jones' return as the iconic voice of Darth Vader, or the departure from John Williams doing the score? Watch to find out more!
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#10: Timeline
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“Rogue One” depicts a crucial chapter in the “Star Wars” saga, following a ragtag group of rebels on a mission to steal the plans for a little weapon known as the Death Star. The first standalone entry in the “Star Wars” Anthology series, “Rogue One” takes place right before the first film in the original trilogy, “A New Hope”. On the timeline of galactic history, the film takes places five years after the “Star Wars Rebels” television series and sets the stage for Luke Skywalker’s iconic journey.
#9: No Opening Crawl
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Ever since the 1977 classic hit theaters, “Star Wars” movies have always opened with a classic wall of text. We begin with a blue text that reads, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....” And then BOOM! The “Star Wars” logo appears, followed by an opening crawl that gets the exposition out of the way. Since “Rogue One” isn’t a traditional “Star Wars” episode, though, it will likely shake things up. There’s been some debate over whether opening crawls should accompany the anthology series. In July 2016, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy stated, “I don't think these standalone films will have an opening crawl." If this is the case, how will “Rogue One” open? We can’t wait to find out!
#8: Alan Tudyk as a Droid
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Droids are an important part of every Star Wars film and Rogue One will introduce a new droid named K-2SO. Despite being created for the Galactic Empire, this enforcer droid is reprogrammed by the rebels to help steal the Death Star plans. Brought to life through motion capture technology, K-2SO is portrayed by the always-entertaining Alan Tudyk of Firefly fame. This character actor is no stranger to motion capture, having played Sonny in “I, Robot.” Even when there’s a 97.6 percent chance of failure, you can always count on Tudyk to deliver.
#7: New Technology, Weapons, and Ships
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If you’re a collector of “Star Wars” merchandise, you’ll be happy to know that “Rogue One” features a slew of shiny new toys. Despite taking place at around the same time as existing movies, Rogue One is full of all kinds of new technology. We see some redesigns of a couple classic Imperial vehicles, including new walkers and tie fighters. Meanwhile, the rebels will get plenty of new toys as well, which they’ll definitely need to take on the new type of Stormtrooper, the Death Troopers.
#6: Gareth Edwards’ Third Theatrical Film
Director Gareth Edwards has put together an impressive résumé over the years. After working as a visual effects artist for some time, he won the 2008 Sci-Fi-London 48-hour film challenge with his short, “Factory Farmed.” This paved the way for Edwards to write and direct his first feature, “Monsters,” which he also did the special effects for. Following that indie success, Edwards directed another monster movie on a much larger scale. “Godzilla” was an enormous box office hit, proving that Edwards could tackle a Hollywood blockbuster. Shortly after, it was announced that his third film would be “Rogue One.” It’s no surprise that Edwards is a longtime “Star Wars” fan, citing George Lucas as one of his greatest influences.
#5: Shortlist for The Lead Role
“Rogue One” centers on Jyn Erso, a young woman who looks about read to take on the whole Empire herself. In order to cast the movie’s leading lady, the filmmakers turned to some of our most promising actresses. Initially, Emmy-winner Tatiana Maslany of “Orphan Black” was thought to be the frontrunner. The studio also screen tested two-time Oscar nominee Rooney Mara and her sister Kate Mara, who is best known for her Emmy-nominated performance in “House of Cards.” While we’re sure the force would’ve been strong with any of these actresses, the role ultimately went to Felicity Jones, who received an Academy Award nomination for her mesmerizing work in “The Theory of Everything.”
#4: Costumes From the Original Trilogy
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Although “Rogue One” will have its fair share of new costumes, keep your eyes open for a few blasts from the past. According to costume designer David Crossman, some of the original costumes from “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi” were used in the lasted “Star Wars” picture. As if that’s not nostalgic enough, “Rogue One” was also filmed at Elstree Studios, the same place where the original “Star Wars” trilogy was shot. It’s clear that “Rogue One” is aiming for a retro vibe, which seems appropriate considering the time period.
#3: James Earl Jones Returns as Darth Vader
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Good news, everyone! A certain actor is returning as our favorite Sith Lord and it’s not Hayden Christensen! In June 2016, it was confirmed that James Earl Jones would reprise the voice of Darth Vader. Meanwhile, several larger than life performers will don the iconic Darth Vader costume. Even before this announcement was made, many fans speculated that Luke’s estranged father would be back as a villain. While the previews have only offered glimpses of Vader, the back of his helmet is more than enough to give anyone goosebumps.
#2: No John Williams :(
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John Williams composed all seven of the previous live-action “Star Wars” films, but he’ll be missing in action for this adventure. The great Alexandre Desplat was originally set to compose the music for “Rogue One.” After the film’s post-production schedule got shuffled around, though, Desplat had to drop out. With just three month’s until the film’s release, the studio hired Michael Giacchino as Desplat’s replacement. Giacchino previously wrote the music for J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” reboot and won an Oscar for composing the original score in “Up.” Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Genevieve O’Reilly Returns as Mon Mothma The Story Was John Knoll’s Idea Jimmy Smits Returns as Bail Organa
#1: Controversial Reshoots
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Rumors mutter that Disney wasn’t exactly blown away after seeing Gareth Edwards’ original version of “Rogue One” this past summer. Thus, the film was sent back for a few weeks of expensive reshoots. To helm these lengthy reshoots, the studio enlisted writer/director Tony Gilroy, who previously worked on the Jason Bourne franchise and did rewrites for Edwards’ “Godzilla” reboot. This has sparked some concern amongst “Star Wars” fans, as reshoots have been known to backfire in the past. Just look at what happened with 2016’s Suicide Squad. Then again, a lot of multi-million dollar blockbusters go through revisions and sometimes it’s for the best. Will this be the case with “Rogue One?” We’ll have to wait and see on December 16. Do you agree with our list? What fun fact has you excited for “Rogue One?” For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
