With so many new characters with cool costumes, names, and badass ships coming out of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, it’s likely difficult for many people to pick just one favorite from the bunch. For director J.J. Abrams, however, it didn’t appear the decision was difficult at all.
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Backstage at Disney’s D23 Expo last weekend, Abrams took questions about Episode VII from the press. When he began talking about Captain Phasma (played by powerhouse actress Gwendoline Christie), it was clear that the Chrome Trooper, who is already iconic and beloved by fans of the franchise, occupies a special place in J.J.’s heart.
"I can only say that Gwendoline Christie is my favorite. She just killed it. You think, “Well, what? It’s wearing a costume.” But it’s a lot to wear and to have a performance when you’re wearing that requires a different kind of skill set and an additional talent, and she’s got it. It’s an incredible thing to work with her. I am glad that a character has been designed that is visually as stunning as that is, because she deserves it and the fans do to[o]. When I first saw that design my mind was blown because it looked so undeniable.(via Collider)"
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While we have seen little of her in footage and heard none of her dialogue whatsoever, there’s no denying that Captain Phasma is already a powerful focal point in the sequel trilogy. Just by her appearance, I think she has enough attitude and mystery to become as legendary as the infamous Boba Fett, whose short screen time in the original trilogy sparked an entire legion of fans. But Phasma’s doing better than Fett is; we haven’t even seen The Force Awakens yet!
As for my favorite character, I think I’m leaning towards Kylo Ren right now. But who knows; maybe when I actually see the film, I’ll connect more to Captain Phasma and end up as big a fan of her and Gwendoline Christie as J.J. himself.
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