Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, like every Star Wars film before it, introduces viewers to new inhabitants of the galaxy far, far away. Though the movie features the classic antagonist Darth Vader, the argument can be made that viewers are more excited to see the newcomers in action, in the hopes that they can become as beloved as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia.One of the more compelling additions to the franchise is Chirrut Îmwe, played by Donnie Yen. A monk who believes strongly in the Force (but is not a Jedi Knight), his most noteworthy trait is that he is blind.
That presents director Gareth Edwards with an interesting angle to explore, since never before has there been a visually-impaired main character in a live-action Star Wars production. As it turns out, Edwards has none other than Yen to thank for that.In an interview with Jet Set Magazine (hat tip Comic Book), the actor revealed that he was the one who suggested Chirrut be blind in Rogue One. He did not elaborate on the reasoning for that decision, but it’s an illustration of Edwards’ flexibility on set. Yen told the magazine that he likes to be very hands-on when it comes to developing his characters, saying,
“You’re not just getting an actor; you are getting a choreographer, a director.”Fortunately for him, Edwards went along for the ride and gave Yen the freedom to mold Chirrut in his own way. It’s fascinating to consider that the character was not originally written a a blind man, since it shows that the Lucasfilm story group is open to altering certain aspects. In the new canon, everything is connected, so Chirrut’s condition is something comic book writers, novel authors, and other creators will have to account for.
Ian was initially hesitant to join the project because he did not want to leave his family for an extended period of time during principal photography in London. However, he was influenced by his children, who “flew into a rage” when they heard their father was being considered for such a huge film. The fact that Rogue One caught Ian’s attention is an encouraging sign of his potential quality, as he has certain criteria for the films he signs:
“I just look for the types of films that I am passionate about and challenge me and are refreshing…I think mainly about the character.”
Star Wars is a project very famous for its characters. The spectacle and scenery are what make it the best big screen entertainment, but at the heart of the films are stories about people and the challenges they face. This element makes the vast galaxy feel grounded and recognizable, forming a strong connection with audiences that has lasted for almost 40 years.