Felicity Jonesdidn’t have to think too hard about joining the cast of 2015’sRogue One: A Star Wars Story. The quality of the role was such that she described signing on to the science fiction blockbuster as “a no-brainer.” Jones talked about taking the role in a wide-ranging chat with Collider’sPerri Nemirofffor a recent episode ofCollider Ladies Night.
Says Jones, about committing to a huge blockbuster franchise likeStar Wars:
“That’s what’s so special aboutRogue One; it was soeasy. I thought, it’s this great character who’s an amazing fighter, who’s at the center of the story, who’s doing wonderful things. So, it was such a no-brainer. It wasn’t a compromise. Back in the day, you’d read scripts, and the female part would be such a yawn. You’d think, ‘God, is there any point doing that?’ But withRogue One, it was like, ‘Oh yeah, definitely! When do I start?'”
What Is ‘Rogue One’ About?
Rogue Onetakes place shortly before 1977’sStar Wars: A New Hope; Jones stars as Jyn Erso, the daughter of Imperial engineer Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen), one of the masterminds behind the world-destroying Death Star superweapon. The nascent Rebel Alliance recruits Erso, and she ends up on a team with jaded spy Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), blind warrior Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen), heavily armed mercenary Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen), Imperial defector Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), and droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk).
Their mission is to find the plans for the dreaded Death Star, and it takes them from dusty Jedha to rainy Eadu to tropical Scarif — even as Death Star project head Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) stays hot on their heels. The team’s mission is ultimately successful, as is evidenced by the Death Star plans that serve asA New Hope’s MacGuffin, but will any of them make it out alive? Joneswill not reprise the rolein the Disney+ seriesAndor, which follows Cassian Andor’s adventures prior toRogue One, but shewon’t rule out returning to the characterat some point.
Jones can currently be seen inBrady Corbet’s acclaimedThe Brutalist; Collider’sRoss Bonaimehadhigh praise for her performancein his review of the film. She is next slated to appear in the dramaTrain Dreams, withJoel Edgerton; the holiday comedyOh. What. Fun., withMichelle PfeifferandChloë Grace Moretz; and the fantasy100 Nights of Hero, withNicholas GalitzineandEmma Corrin.
Rogue Onecan be streamed on Disney+. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates and don’t missJones’ full episode of Ladies Night!
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction.
Watch on Disney+
