Adam Driver Talks ‘Star Wars: Episode 8’ Film And Director Rian Johnson
When Star Wars: The Force Awakens hit theaters, fans and critics alike applauded the film for being both innovative and building on preexisting worlds while forging new relationships that jump-started the series back to life. The film not only gained fans but they also satisfied fans that have been geeking out over Star Wars since the 70s.
After the initial reaction was over, many wondered how director Rian Johnson would follow in J.J. Abrams’ footsteps, who perfectly set up the “new” franchise of Star Wars. Now, Kylo Ren himself is talking about Johnson’s direction. The actor (better known as Adam Driver), told Entertainment Weekly that it’s a completely different experience shooting Episode 8.
“Their temperaments are different.”
Driver said that the new director has a lot less pressure on him, because J.J. Abrams already established a world and language that works for the existing iconic characters and the new ones that were introduced into the franchise.
“I feel like there was so many moving pieces in the first one – just trying to solve it and set the vocabulary for what it was. There’s a lot of that anxiety is gone, because people have developed a language.”
Star Wars’ Adam Driver talks Episode 8’s “really great” script and working with Rian Johnson https://t.co/4m0851Rhis pic.twitter.com/jNAm2OBVqo
— Total Film (@totalfilm) March 30, 2016
Driver continued.
“I think it’s more of a testament to Rian coming into something very established and making it [his own]. I can’t wait to get on set, just because he’s so unassuming and intelligent and approachable. The script they’ve come up with is really great.”
The fact that there are differences from one film to the next isn’t a huge surprise. Most fans want a universe that evolves, but star John Boyega, who plays rogue stormtrooper Finn, has revealed that Episode 8‘s tone is much darker than Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
“[We’re] just starting work on ‘Star Wars VIII,’ the next film, so I’m back to keeping secrets again. It’s great. Much darker, but we’re very excited.”
Adam Driver talks filming #StarWars: #EpisodeVIII, compares J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson???? https://t.co/by0m2oksNc pic.twitter.com/RV9fFEXMYT
— UPROXX (@UPROXX) March 30, 2016
No one has sung Johnson praises as much as actor Benicio Del Toro has. The actor explained in detail to Empire magazine what kind of a fresh take Johnson would give Episode 8.
“I think [he brings] like a cool sci-fi realism, if I may say that, if that makes any sense. You know, I love his film Looper, and his other work. I just like talking to him about the film. I think he’s one of those new talented people that Star Wars is hiring to infuse the franchise with new steroids.”
The last we heard about the upcoming Star Wars film was from former director J.J. Abrams. Abrams was questioned whether there was enough room for a gay character to emerge from the franchise. At the time, Abrams said, “To me, the fun of Star Wars is the glory of possibility. So it seems insanely narrow-minded and counterintuitive to say that there wouldn’t be a homosexual character in that world.”
Some fans already support a romance between Finn and Oscar Isaac’s Poe based on a moment they shared once they met up again after spending most of the film apart.
Star Wars: Episode VIII is set for a theatrical release of 2017. Actor Benicio Del Toro and actress Laura Dern are two new faces joining cast members Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, and Lupita Nyong’o.
Do you have high hopes for Star Wars: Episode VIII?
[Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images]
