Denis Lawson, the actor who played Rebel pilot Wedge Antillies in all three original “Star Wars” films seems to have turned down the chance to appear in “Episode VII.”
According to The Courier, Lawson was at a screening of his new film, “The Machine,” and was asked about his most famous role:
When asked if the next new Denis Lawson film to be screened there would be Star Wars, he replied: “I’m not going to do that.”
Asked if it was because Disney had taken over the franchise, he replied: “They asked me but it just would have bored me.”
Lawson is a fine actor and it’s sad to me that he won’t be reprising his role in the new Star Wars films, but that’s not to say Wedge won’t show up. Firstly, if they asked him, that means there must have been a part for him in the first place. That implies many things on its own, but lets not get too deep into story speculation.
But the fact that Lawson turned down the role does not mean we won’t be seeing the character in the films. Lawson wasn’t the only actor to play Wedge. In the original film, two actors played the part, causing all sorts of confusion for years. Wedge is a character much beloved to the hardcore fans, but probably isn’t even all that noticed amongst average Star Wars viewers. Recasting the part would be no big deal.
And this could also be a feint on Lawson’s part. If he has signed up, he’s most assuredly signed a non-disclosure agreement. To his mind, it might just be easier to lie about it and keep his appearance a surprise.
And since we’ve heard nothing from the Disney/Lucasfilm camp, we can’t even be certain he’s telling the truth about having been asked in the first place.
As ever, nothing is certain until they confirm it officially. And even then, those decisions are subject to change (just ask Michael Arndt.)
“Star Wars: Episode VII” comes out December 18, 2015. Reports state that it begins shooting principal photography today.