Keri Russell Wanted To Be A Jedi In Star Wars
Keri Russell a Jedi? Maybe it was closer than we thought. When J.J. Abrams was hired on to direct Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens for Lucasfilm and Disney, there was intense speculation about who would join the cast. After all, this was one of the most anticipated movie events in a generation, so it made sense that folks would line up for the chance.
Plus, we knew J.J. Abrams liked to work with the same actors with his new projects. That made sense from a comfort level standpoint. So a big project like this was bound to have some Abrams-style faces. Could we have wound up with Felicity herself, Keri Russell, donning Jedi robes?
Well, in an interview at the time with TVLine.com, the actress discussed her admiration for Abrams, as well as the possibility of her appearing in Star Wars. She said, in part, “It spoiled me to work with JJ and Matt (Reeves) [on Felicity]. Not only do I love them as people because they’re so funny and easy and good but they were just so talented. I’ve worked on other projects and you get the script and you’re like ‘but why isn’t it good.'”
Then, when asked about the possibility of Keri Russell getting in on the Star Wars action with J.J. Abrams, she said, “Anyone he lets me play. I’m waiting for my call…I would do anything for JJ, honestly I would do craft service.”
And when asked if she’s a Star Wars fan: “Yes, of course. And now with my son, that’s all he talks about.”
J.J. Abrams and Keri Russell both got their start in the spotlight with the TV series Felicity back in 1998. They also worked together in Abrams’ feature film debut, Mission: Impossible 3 in 2006.
But expressing (even intense) interest and getting a role are completely different things, and that was the case where Keri Russell was concerned with Star Wars. The role of Rey did go to a female, but it was then-newcomer Daisy Ridley. The Star Wars and Lucasfilm folks wanted to go with a fresh face for a new Jedi. Keri Russell wasn’t going to fit in along those lines.
Again, there were lots of ideas thrown around at this time for the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Heck, Matthew Vaughn was even in the directorial running and pitched Chloe Moretz Grace as the lead role, attempting maybe to go Kick-Ass all over that thing.
Keri Russell didn’t end up being a Jedi, though in the Star Wars franchise, it’s really never too late.
