While aware of it as a younger actress, the expanding worlds of Star Wars passed Jennifer Beals by until she saw The Rise of Skywalker and became aware of The Mandalorian. With The Book of Boba Fett just over a week away, she talks with Variety about her time on the show – avoiding spoilers as much as possible – and revealed that she didn’t even when she was on the Fett set, she didn’t know she was making this exciting new show.
V: Did you know what a Twi’lek is or did you have to research it?
JB: I had to be reminded of what that was and who they are and where they’re from. Dave Filoni is just extraordinary. He’s like a walking encyclopedia. Instead of relying on the internet — which, you know, I don’t know who the authors are of certain articles that I’m looking at — I would go to the source. I would go to Dave, and we would talk about character and how is this person different perhaps than the lineage that’s come before, and what has informed her experiences and then how does that change the way she looks or behaves — or dresses for that matter.
V: What is the process of putting on the appendages, the lekku? How heavy are they?
JB: The team really went to the ends of the earth to make sure that not only were they incredibly light, but that they were balanced perfectly for my skull. They were easy to keep on during the day. We could take them off during during a break if I needed one. But [wearing them] just changes everything. It’s like this incredible crown of sensitivity and identity.
V: I do want to make the observation that the most prominent Twi’lek in the “Star Wars” universe, Bib Fortuna, was killed by Boba Fett at the end of Season 2 of “The Mandalorian.” Please remain silent if that is significant for your character.
JB: (Pause) Please remain silent if that is significant for my character? That was the question.
V: Yes.
JB: (Pause) Did I remain silent or did I ask you a question? I don’t know.
V: OK, let’s try this: Most Twi’leks are enslaved, but in the brief shot of your character in the first trailer, her outfit looks expensive, like she’s a person of stature.
JB: I would say that’s fair, just to summarize it that way.
V: Ah, my instincts were right!
JB: I think that’s fair that I say that to you. What am I gonna do, go, “Oh, I don’t know, is she?”
