With Reporting by Josh Horowitz
A long time ago, in this very galaxy, Andy Serkis and his brother freaked out upon the arrival of “Star Wars” in their lives. Teenage Serkis was just as wowed by the George Lucas film series as anyone, and now, he’s a part of the franchise himself.
Serkis plays an undisclosed role (or roles, possibly, considering the man’s motion-capture talents) in the upcoming “Star Wars: Episode VII,” directed by J.J. Abrams and starring a wide range of actors from franchise newcomers John Boyega and Oscar Isaac to old standbys like Harrison Ford. Speaking with MTV News, Serkis said that getting together with the cast to read the “Episode VII” script for the first time “was quite an extraordinary feeling.”
But there’s one person who is even more excited about Serkis’ work on the film than Serkis himself.
“My brother, who is five years younger than me, this means more to him than anything I’ve ever done in my entire life,” he laughed. “I’m more joyous for him than anything else, in a way.”
Perhaps Serkis’ brother is the man to interrogate when it comes to finding out details about the “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” and “Lord of the Rings” legend’s work on the film. Because for his part, Serkis’ lips are sealed. He would only confirm that Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher are all in top form as they return to their iconic roles as Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, respectively.
“Absolutely,” he told MTV when asked if the original trilogy’s three stars are up to the task of returning for the “Star Wars” sequels, “and that’s all I’m saying before I get enticed into saying more.”
Serkis will have much more to say as “Episode VII” nears its December 18, 2015 release date. For now, see Serkis work his magic in “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” in theaters now.
Josh Wigler
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