Star Wars: Recasting the original and prequel trilogies for the 2020s

18. Marc Evan Jackson as Grand Moff Tarkin

Peter Cushing may be known by Star Wars fans for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in the original trilogy, but he first appeared on film as early as 1939 in The Man in the Iron Mask. Cushing went on to have decades of credits, largely in horror from the 1950s to 1970s, but his full filmography is nothing short of massive.

The undeniable acting skill of Peter Cushing was a major boon to the Tarkin character, but also made a huge difference in lending credibility to the film itself which had a largely unknown cast. Only Cushing and original Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Alec Guinness had a significant presence prior to Star Wars, though names like Harrison Ford went on to have massive careers in the following years.

Finding someone to deliver the stoic and unnerving presence of Grand Moff Tarkin on film in a fully recast role would be difficult, but one choice who could pull it off and add a surprisingly useful comedic timing in a rework would be Marc Evan Jackson. While he’s had a variety of film and television roles over the years, Jackson has made a greater impact in recent years with his performances in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, 22 Jump Street, Kong: Skull Island, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

Marc Evan Jackson has shown an ability to portray a stoic villain that few compare to, and it would be amazing to see him take on the role of Grand Moff Tarkin in a recast of Star Wars.