Twitch (the movies site, not the game streaming service) reports that Indonesian actor and The Raid franchise star Iko Uwais, who plays S.W.A.T. officer Rama in both films of the series, has agreed to join the cast of The Force Awakens in an unspecified role. He’ll be joined by fellow franchise actors Yayan Ruhian, who played “Mad Dog” in The Raid: Redemption, and Cecep Arif Rahman, who played “The Assassin” in The Raid 2.
The outlet is uncertain whether the three actors will fill on-screen roles or serve as fight choreographers, as both Uwais and Ruhian did for The Raid films in addition to appearing in the film. Given that all three actors are experts in the traditional Indonesian martial art pencak silat, which uses blades, batons, poles, and swaths of fabric in its self-defense techniques, the universe of Star Wars — with its lightsabers and robed warriors — seems like a particularly good fit for their talents.
It’s worth noting that neither the studio nor the actors’ representatives have confirmed the deal for their services at this point, so their involvement should be considered a rumor until an official announcement is made.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is scheduled to hit theaters December 18.
Editors' Recommendations
- Star Wars could’ve had Christopher Walken as Han Solo and Jodie Foster as Princess Leia
- The 10 best lightsaber duels in Star Wars, ranked
- Want to enjoy the Star Wars TV shows more? Watch the cartoons, already!
- The 10 most expensive movies of all time
- A new Star Wars quest begins in the first trailer for Ahsoka
