'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' news: Alan Tudyk talks about how he made sure K2S0 is not another Jar Jar Binks
Technically, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is a prequel given that its events take place before the original trilogy. And to some degree, it can a little be tricky given that the term "prequel" somehow have a bad connotation in the "Star Wars" franchise. And undeniably one of the more jarring parts of the trilogy from the 2000 film is the introduction of Jar Jar Binks, who up until now calls out a lot of cringe-worthy moments.
Contemporary "Star Wars" filmmakers are careful not re-live any hints of Jar Jar in their films so to not repulse potential viewers. But for Alan Tudyk, who plays motion capture of the new droid, K2SO, he took it into his own hands to make sure that his quippy character will not be coming across as the Naboo-native.
"I did have it in mind because K-2SO can be very funny in moments, and I talked to [director] Gareth Edwards, saying, I hope I'm not coming across as a character that makes jokes, that he is a sarcastic character or a passive-aggressive character or an honest character that can be funny within a moment, especially these moments of high-stakes life and death, which this movie has a lot of ― you know, it's a war movie," the actor told The Huffington Post when he sat down with the outlet for some "Rogue One" press. "He told me that I wasn't, so I trusted him, and I'm really happy with the outcome."
Based on what Lucasfilm Ltd. has released so far in terms of Kaytoo, the previously Imperial droid until he was reprogrammed by Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) will play such a huge part in the spy-esque film, especially when Jyn's (Felicity Jones) squad go on a covert mission to retrieve the plans to the first death star.
The "Star Wars" community, at least majority of it, has a resonating love and hate relationship with Jar Jar Binks. While the Gungan was obviously abhorred because of his annoying ways, there is no denying that fans still gravitate toward him for them to continue discussing him especially with the running theory of him being a Sith Lord. In defense of the ongoing conversation, the fact that it may never be officially confirmed or debunked is a huge part of the burgeoning fascination for the prequel creature.
"[Jar Jar] was such an outlier ― not an outlier, an anomaly in the world ― that was backed away from as quickly as they could," Tudyk furthered referring to just how Jar Jar's role from "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" drastically decreased until "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith."
Still, at this point, it is safe to say that "Star Wars" is trying to distance itself with Jar Jar but also closing in the loop that divides the prequel and the original trilogies especially with "Rogue One."
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will blast through North American cinemas starting Dec. 16.