Earlier this week, Mads Mikkelsen headed to France where he was given the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters for his acting talents, with his “The Hunt” director Thomas Vinterberg, also receiving the same honor. So Mikkelsen was in a pretty good mood when he sat down with Kay Burley of Sky News, where he spilled a bit of news about his role in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Obviously, **spoilers ahead**.
The actor casually dished during the interview that he would be playing the father of Jyn Erso, portrayed by Felicity Jones. As you’ll recall, the theory that Jyn Erso is Rey mother’s has been shot down, so it’ll be interesting to see what her connection is the greater “Star Wars” universe, and I’d wager it’ll have to do with Mikkelsen’s role. So, get your speculation machines going.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that “Star Wars: Episode VIII” director Rian Johnson contributed some story ideas to the upcoming book, “Star Wars: Bloodline.” Penned by Claudia Gray, it’s set before the events in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and follows Leia Organa during the early days of the Resistance, as political intrigue unfolds. Here’s the book synopsis:
When the Rebellion defeated the Empire in the skies above Endor, Leia Organa believed it was the beginning to a lasting peace. But after decades of vicious infighting and partisan gridlock in the New Republic Senate, that hope seems like a distant memory.
Now a respected senator, Leia must grapple with the dangers that threaten to cripple the fledgling democracy—from both within and without. Underworld kingpins, treacherous politicians, and Imperial loyalists are sowing chaos in the galaxy. Desperate to take action, senators are calling for the election of a First Senator. It is their hope that this influential post will bring strong leadership to a divided galaxy.
As the daughter of Darth Vader, Leia faces with distrust the prospect of any one person holding such a powerful position—even when supporters suggest Leia herself for the job. But a new enemy may make this path Leia’s only option. For at the edges of the galaxy, a mysterious threat is growing….
I would presume that Johnson’s involvement has some kind of minor bearing on ‘Episode VIII’ in terms of particular character or narrative elements that wind up playing out, but you’ll have to read the book (and then see the movie) to find out.
‘Bloodline’ streets on May 3rd, ‘Rogue One’ arrives on December 16th, and you can watch Mikkelsen’s interview below.