WookieeLeaks: A ‘Lost’ Actor Joins ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

ScreenCrush’s WookieeLeaks is a weekly roundup of everything Star Wars! From The Force Awakens, to the upcoming spinoffs and the TV shows, if it pertains to that long ago, far away galaxy, we’re covering it here, bringing you our expert analysis. This week, check out some costume designs from The Force Awakens, see which Lost actor is in the new movie, and check out the latest toys hitting shelves soon.

The “Loosely Related Star Wars News” Round-Up

Jon Favreau, of Iron Man and Chef fame, was one of the rumored choices to take on Star Wars: The Force Awakens back in the day. Now, he claims he’s not in the running for any future movies, including the spin-off anthologies:

To get nitpicky with this statement, Favreau says he’s not directing any Star Wars “eps” and the anthology films aren’t technically episodes. They’re side stories. So take that as you will. We’ll take it as “Favreau only has 140 characters, let him live in peace,” but you never know!

Elsewhere, someone snapped a few photos from the latest copy of the French edition of Vanity Fair, which somehow contains Star Wars content that wasn’t present in the American issue. You can click right here to check out costume designs for Han Solo, Poe Dameron, and Finn, although the only one of real note is the latter. We’ve seen clear glimpses of the other two outfits in trailers and official photos, but this is our best look yet at John Boyega outside of his Stormtrooper gear.

And finally, this Star Wars: The Force Awakens promo art has escaped out of Russia and while it looks like something that belongs in the toy aisle, we certainly cope this painterly style makes its way into the final poster. The Star Wars series has had a good run when it comes to avoiding lousy Photoshop on its theatrical one-sheets. This one needs to maintain that tradition.

Last-Minute Casting Announcements and Other Actorly Notes

The last time we checked in with the ever-expanding cast of Star Wars: Rogue One, the wonderful character actor Ben Mendelsohn was supposedly playing the villain. Of course, he kept on being cheeky in public, but that’s what actors do! Well, now he’s claiming that he still hasn’t been officially cast. Take this as you will:

Well… I know that it’s something that’s being talked about. That’s what I definitely know. I’m waiting for them to call me and say, “Hey, here’s the start date,” but you know, none of that’s yet taken place, but you know I’d be very happy to do it, let’s put it that way.

A lot of big name actors negotiate in the press, acting hesitant in interviews to encourage the studio to add a few more zeroes to their check. It would be hilarious if Ben freakin’ Mendelsohn was following this tactic.

But let’s move on to more sure ground. Just when you thought Star Wars: The Force Awakens was done revealing its cast, another name pops up. And this isn’t a nobody, either. This is Ken Leung, an actor best known for the playing the grumpy psychic Miles on Lost (which, as you probably know, J.J. Abrams had a hand in making). According to Star Wars 7 News, he’ll have a minor role in the film, playing a high-ranking Rebel, er, Resistance Officer. Possibly even a general, based on the uniform he supposedly wears in the film. We don’t know why we’re just now learning about this casting, but it’s pretty cool. Even if it’s a small part, Leung is a fine actor and we’d watch him in anything.

While most of the cast of The Force Awakens either aren’t doing many interviews or aren’t allowed to do many interviews, Greg Grunberg is running around talking to whoever will listen. The delightful character actor/J.J. Abrams’ best friend has a minor role in the film and he’s managed to get a ton of free press chatting about it. The latest conversation is between him and EW. Here’s a noteworthy excerpt:

I can only say that practical effects are as important—if not more important—than the special effects. And it’s all about the story and family. I mean that’s what J.J. is all about. And these new characters, these actors are unbelievable. They’re so well cast. We got our script pages, only the scenes that we were in. Not even what was being shot that day! It was all on red paper so we couldn’t copy it or take a picture of it. And then we had to give the script pages back at the end of the day.

You can read the whole interview at the link above.

Star Wars in Plastic

We’re now less than six months out from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, so expect the merchandise reveals to start coming fast. Your local toy store will soon be awash in all things Star Wars. You won’t be able to escape. You might as well start getting to know what’s on the horizon right now.

First up, here’s a preview image of an upcoming LEGO set. Based purely on colors, the internet has already decided that, when assembled, these bricks will form Rey’s speeder vehicle (as seen in the trailers). However, the prominent placement of BB-8 on the cover suggests one of two things – the set will also include a LEGO version of the little droid or it’s going to be the major face of the toys moving forward, popping up on every box. Lucasfilm and Disney are run by smart people. They know this robot is going to be HUGE.

However, the existence of a new movie doesn’t mean old scenes and characters will no longer be rendered in plastic. After all, you probably know the person who will want to buy this new toy set depicting Jabba’s Rancor pit. You are probably that person:

And finally, Making Star Wars has teamed up with Hasbro for a contest: you (yes, you) can vote on which Star Wars character you want to see made into an action figure next. Yes, you have the power. The details are right here.