Gwendoline Christie confirms that Captain Phasma will return for Star Wars: Episode VIII

By Adam Poltrack February 1, 2016

gwendoline christie captain phasma — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though Gwendoline Christie’s Captain Phasma didn’t get a ton of screen time in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, the character had one of the more intriguing minor roles in the film. That said, many wondered whether Phasma would be returning for the Rian Johnson-directed Episode VIII — and it looks like those folks have their answer.

People caught up with the Game of Thrones actress on the red carpet before the 2016 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards and the she seemed all too eager to dish on her future with the Star Wars franchise.

Said Christie, “I will be in the next Star Wars movie. I think that’s an exclusive, actually.” The actress went on to describe how thrilled she was to be cast in the role of Captain Phasma, saying, “I was very over excited. I made no secret of the fact that I really campaigned for the part for a long time. And then I was delighted when J.J. Abrams wanted to have me in the film.”

Since Phasma was originally written as a male character, Christie said she felt her casting “encouraged diversity” and that she hoped it would “breed more of those kind of opportunities for other women.”

The character is expected to see an increased role in Episode VIII, so perhaps we’ll learn a bit more about the woman behind that snazzy, chrome-coated suit of armor. Back in December, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy told the LA Times “She [Phasma] is an important character, a baddie in the best sense of the word.”

Sleep with one eye open, Finn!

Star Wars: Episode VIII was recently pushed back from its May 2017 release date, and is now expected to hit theaters on December 15, 2017.

Stay tuned for updates, and may the Force be with you.

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