Oscar Isaac Talks Rian Johnson, Star Wars: Episode VIII
Actor Oscar Isaac — hotshot Resistance pilot Poe Dameron in The Force Awakens — is out doing press junkets for his new film X-Men: Apocalypse, and in the process has opened up about Rian Johnson and filming Star Wars: Episode VIII…
Speaking with Los Angeles Times, actor Oscar Isaac who portrays Poe Dameron in the new Star Wars trilogy, opened-up about Rian Johnson’s approach to filming Star Wars: Episode VIII. The Times sat down with Isaac, during the press junket X-Men: Apocalypse, which is opening worldwide on May 27.
Isaac was asked about legendary screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan’s remarks regarding Rian Johnson’s incredible filmmaking ability, and what he is bringing to the Star Wars saga. As a refresher, Kasdan had this to say:
"“Rian Johnson is a friend of mine —he’s going to make some weird thing. If you’ve seen Rian’s work, you know it’s not going be like anything that’s ever been in Star Wars.”"
Kasdan is referring to fantastic films like the science fiction thriller, Looper, and the independent film, Brick, as well as his on AMC’s Breaking Bad — “Fly” “Fifty-One” “Ozymandias” — which were some of the series’ best episodes.
Back to Oscar Isaac, and what he had to say about how Rian Johnson was handling his first real huge blockbuster film with Star Wars: Episode VIII.
"“I would agree with [Kasdan]. Rian is definitely going to places and investigating things that haven’t really been done in the Star Wars universe. For me, it’s so fun getting to explore different things that I wouldn’t have expected in this universe.”"
What excites me most, is the phrasing Oscar Isaac is using here:
"“Investigating things that haven’t really been done in the Star Wars universe.”"
Isaac continued with a comment about the independent film feel that Johnson is bringing to Star Wars:
"“In some ways it feels like we’re making an independent film. Certain things we get to play with – this kind of intimacy that we get to find – it’s special. It’s been really fun.”"
With a full year and a half before the worldwide theatrical premiere of Star Wars: Episode VIII, I’m sure we will see more actors coming forward and praising Rian Johnson’s filmmaking style. So far, he has been extremely interactive on Twitter — with the fans — and has allowed the stars of the film to be a little more loose-lipped — if you will — regarding the secrets of filming, and the behind-the-curtain looks at what is going on in that world.
Next: Mark Hamill Was Skeptical About The Force Awakens Ending
The sequel to The Force Awakens is in good hands, and I for one can’t wait to see how Rian Johnson will follow-up J.J. Abrams’ offering to the Star Wars saga.