‘Star Wars: Episode 7’ Star Andy Serkis Confirms That He’s Only Playing One Character

When the first teaser trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ hit the Internet, no one could have predicted that so much attention would be focused on whose voice was actually narrating the trailer. Arguments between journalists and fans alike permeated the discussion around the teaser before it was ultimately confirmed that yes, that was totally Andy Serkis’ voice. Following that whole ordeal came rumors that Serkis would be playing not one, but two characters in the film, similar to the work he provided on ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’—but now the actor has spoken up to clarify his role in ‘The Force Awakens.’

In a new interview with EW, the actor opened up a bit about his part in the new ‘Star Wars’ film, confirming that he is definitely only playing one character:

No that’s not true at all. I can say I only play one character.

What he can’t say is whether or not that character is motion-capture or live-action:

‘I can’t say a single thing about that. I’m sorry!’ Serkis says with a massive grin. ‘These things will all come out in the fullness of time, I promise.’

And although he couldn’t say much at all about his role, he was able to offer a vague description:

‘I have to be very careful about how I answer these questions. The character …’ he says, followed by a long pause. ‘He’s been through some stuff.’

So that’s that—we now know that Serkis is only playing one role, that it may or may not be a motion-capture performance, and that his character has been through some “stuff.” Although he was unable to confirm whether or not his performance was motion-captured, it’s difficult to believe that director J.J. Abrams would bring someone like Serkis in without—in the parlance of Liam Neeson—taking advantage of his very particular set of skills.

As Serkis says, we’ll find out more about his role in the film all in good time. We’re still 12 months away from the release of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ which hits theaters on December 17, 2015.