Zack Snyder’s highly anticipated 2023 sci-fi epic Rebel Moon Part One has debuted on Netflix, and like before, it is still the talk of the town despite the bombarding negative reviews. But it is hard to deny that Ed Skrein’s villainous role has the fearful vibe much needed for the plot.
Out of the ensemble cast, British actor Ed Skrein dominated the screen, even occupying a larger part of the narrative in the first part of the two-part film. And speaking of his preparation for the role, the actor revealed his inspiration as the legendary star, Olivia Colman.
Ed Skrein’s Rebel Moon Role Was Inspired From Olivia Colman
For cinemagoers, Olivia Colman needs no introduction as the British star has a decorated career under her belt with an astounding list of accolades including one Oscar, four BAFTAs, two Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globes. Rebel Moon star Ed Skrein deriving inspiration for his tyrant role from Colman is no shocker, yet it is one highlighting factor as his voice was a direct inspiration from the Marvel star.
“I adopted this sing-songy, almost thespian voice. So I thought that would be intriguing and interesting and against type, and I actually based that voice on Olivia Colman. I thought that would really throw things off to almost hear her voice coming out of my mouth. I don’t how she’d feel about being a part of such a horrible tyrant, but it was out of respect,” Skrein tells The Hollywood Reporter.
Skrein’s concern about her reaction to his role following her footsteps is legit but Colman has been in the industry for over two decades, so, it is fair to assume that she would applaud Skrein’s effort. Skrein’s Atticus Noble— an admiral and Balisarius’ right-hand man played a huge part in the first part of the film and is expected to dominate the screen again in the second part.
Also read: Deadpool 1 Villain Ed Skrein Wants To Return for Deadpool 3: ‘I’d be super happy to go back’
Rebel Moon Extended Cut Reflects Ed Skrein’s Inspiration Extensively
Skrein has always been “trying to play things against type,” he told THR. “I read the script and the scenes to work out the emotional state of being,” he continued. And then he would think, “What would be the obvious way to play this? How would every other actor play this?” Colman’s name came to his mind immediately.
“I’ve been a big fan of her work since Peep Show, but what she did on The Crown was really interesting. So, the voice is not exclusively based on her accent on The Crown, but it’s based on her. I thought that would really throw things off to almost hear her voice coming out of my mouth. Yeah, when you watch the extended cut or if you watch the PG-13 cut again, you’ll be like, ‘Oh yeah, I can hear Olivia Colman in there.’”
Skrein’s reasoning behind his inspiration from Colman is also interesting as it directly attests to the development of his character.
“I wanted to soften the hard edges of Noble’s physicality and his costume, and the fact he’s got priests and spaceships and soldiers behind him,” Skrein added.
That’s why he adopted the “sing-songy” voice, but his character was far from being an alternate version of Darth Vader. At least the actor has been quite persistent on it. Rebel Moon Part One is currently streaming on Netflix.
