Once more, Gareth Edwards, the director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is discussing the numerous reports surrounding the extensive reshoots for the 2016 film, which were supervised by Tony Gilroy. Lucasfilm had brought Tony Gilroy, the creator of Andor, on board the Rogue One team in June 2016.
During a recent installment of the The Business podcast on KCRW, Edwards asserted that there is a considerable amount of misinformation circulating regarding the production of the Star Wars prequel.
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Gareth Edwards Clears Air Around Rogue One Challenges
Gareth Edwards emphasized that there is a significant amount of misinformation on the internet regarding the events surrounding the film. He acknowledged Tony Gilroy’s valuable contributions but also stressed that the entire team collaborated until the very end of the movie’s production.
Although reports had suggested that Lucasfilm had sidelined Edwards and enlisted Gilroy to craft new dialogue and oversee supplementary scenes, Edwards clarified that he actively participated in the five weeks of reshoots for Rogue One. He specifically mentioned his involvement in filming the iconic final scene featuring Darth Vader.
Edwards said (via Variety):
“The very last thing that we filmed in the pickup shoot was the Darth Vader corridor scene. I did all of that stuff.”
In response to Variety’s inquiry about the Rogue One reports back in September, Edwards conveyed his gratitude, saying, he was “incredibly lucky.”
Edwards expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to create a Star Wars film, likening it to winning a lottery ticket. He emphasized that he couldn’t fathom someone as fortunate as himself suggesting that the experience was anything less than absolutely incredible.
Gareth Edwards’ Latest Project Draws Inspiration From Anime
The Creator is set in a dystopian future where “New Asia” has succumbed to the rule of artificial intelligence. Within this world, one encounters not just fully robotic entities but also “simulants” who seamlessly integrate a human-like appearance with advanced robotic technology. The prevailing theme of AI outperforming humans in various aspects deepens the pervasive feelings of isolation and hopelessness among the inhabitants. This mirrors the mood present in Akira, where characters grapple with the challenges of forging even the most fundamental interpersonal connections.
The film shows a parallel dynamic in the lives of the main protagonists, Joshua and Maya. What makes their situation even more intricate is that Maya, a human, was nurtured and raised by AI. Their apparent happiness is shattered by the intrusion of a militaristic power fixated on aggression and showcasing their might, even in a conflict that lacks any meaningful purpose.
Within the narrative of Akira, the Japanese government and military persistently expose psychic children to perilous experiments, even in the face of evident dangers. These tales illustrate a societal backdrop where the mainstream population is either embroiled in conflict or predominantly detached, leaving the “other” elements to cultivate the deepest and most profound bonds.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is available for streaming on Disney+.
