Simon Pegg was spotted on the set of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ in a bulky alien costume, sending fans into a frenzy, trying to discover what role the comedic British actor was playing. Pegg portrayed Scotty in the ‘Star Trek’ movies, so also having a role in ‘Star Wars’ is unprecedented, although it makes perfect sense considering that J.J. Abrams directed the first two ‘Star Trek’ flicks before switching sides to helm ‘The Force Awakens’ and also directed Pegg in ‘Mission: Impossible 3’. (Abrams continues to produce the ‘M:I’ movies.)
Considering their extensive working relationship, if anyone could shed light on Pegg’s mysterious involvement in ‘The Force Awakens’, it’s Abrams, right? Unfortunately, his response may disappoint: “You know, I’ve never met Simon Pegg.”
Abrams then relents, “I will say that Simon Pegg is a genius. Because he told me to say that.”
Joking aside, Abrams wouldn’t reveal who Pegg’s onscreen role was, other than to say “he won’t be recognizable in the movie” but was eager to stress how important Pegg was to his development process while working on this film.
“In all honesty, his role in this – not the performance or the character – but his support and friendship has been massively important and helpful in the process. He was a wonderful partner in crime to kick the story around and ask questions and come up with ideas, and he was an incredibly helpful part of the process for all of us. I’m very grateful.”
“He was a sounding board. He would drop by the set because he wanted to, and when he could, he would help… We could talk about things, and he was a perfect combination of incredibly smart screenwriter, fan of the series, critical fan of the series, and friend of mine – but not just blindly supportive. He was an honest, critical friend. And he wasn’t so close to it that he became immune to things. He would come in with fresh eyes and very smart ideas. He’s one of a handful of people along the way that has been really priceless.”
Another role Pegg might have played? Spoiler. Perhaps to take the scrutiny off his mystery role, Pegg let slip that a Stormtrooper would be played by 007 himself, Daniel Craig.
When asked about that, Abrams snapped back from sincerity to teaser. “I’ve been asked to say nothing by Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” was all the director would say.
Does Pegg’s input make you more excited about the tone of ‘The Force Awakens’? Will they sneak in a scene of Chewbacca enjoying a Cornetto treat? What about that alien role? Comment below!
Source: Entertainment Weekly
