The cast of Star Wars: The Force Awakens took to Twitter on Friday to participate in an online Q & A session. Aside from some glaring absentees (Mark Hamill and Adam Driver, we’re looking at you), most of the major players were present — from returning cast members Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, to the young stalwarts charged with continuing the franchise: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac.
Twitter, which requested users to utilize the #TwitterAwakens hahstag when asking questions, also introduced new character emojis for Finn, Rey, and Poe.
As expected for a film that has notoriously been kept under wraps, the cast and filmmakers avoided divulging any major spoilers about its narrative. Nonetheless, we’re sure that fans will be picking apart some of the responses in anticipation of the blockbuster.
Carrie Fisher kicked things off by answering several questions in a row, mainly regarding her return to the beloved franchise and passing the torch to a younger cast. Fisher stated that her character Princess Leia’s most annoying quality is her “hair.”
Character has changed, I’m older, more exhausted. – @carrieffisher #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/EeBuDLt1k8
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 4, 2015
Good, I was jealous. For having the first experience. It was fun to watch. – @carrieffisher #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/yEYMqwK7Of
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 4, 2015
Harrison Ford, who returns to play Han Solo in the film, chimed in by stating that his favorite scene in the film was a swordfight between Rey (Daisy Ridley’s character) and Kylo Ren (the antagonist played by Adam Driver).
The sword fight with Rey and Kilo Ren. Fantastic visual storytelling. – Harrison Ford #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/RqKef1a6rx
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 4, 2015
Ford was characteristically sardonic throughout the proceedings. On one occasion, he responded to a fan question about Chewbacca’s age by claiming, “He’s had some work done!” He also shot down inquiries regarding any personal attachment to his iconic character, claiming he doesn’t discuss Han Solo in his day-to-day life.
I’ve never thought to ask anyone if they know who Han Solo is. I sure don’t bring it up! – Harrison Ford https://t.co/has5odHdxB
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
Lupita Nyong’o notably answered her questions via tweets with embedded video clips. Below, she discusses her experience on the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in which she plays the alien Maz Kanata.
.@Dutdutgreydut asks: What are you going to miss most about filming Episode VII: pic.twitter.com/hEHyPjXFna
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
When asked about the props and tech used in the movie, Carrie Fisher claimed that her favorite one was the Millenium Falcon, while John Boyega stated that his preferred droid is the BB-8 as it can “move fast!”
BB-8 for sure! I like a droid that can move fast! – @JohnBoyega #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/QjHlOxFWs6
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
In reply to Mark Hamill’s tongue-in-cheek question about his initials, J.J. Abrams jokingly confirmed that they actually stand for Jar Jar. Hamill didn’t directly answer any questions himself, indicating that he may not have been present for the session. His character Luke Skywalker’s notable absence from the film’s promos has been hotly debated by fans, with the theory that he may have joined the dark side.
Yes, Mark. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! – JJ Abrams #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/PvwYCSICUz
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
Arguably the most in-depth discussion of the film came courtesy of the filmmakers. Producer Kathleen Kennedy commented on the narrative tension in the Star Wars franchise. When combined with the revelation that Luke Skywalker was her inspiration for the movie, this could provide more fuel for the fire regarding the theory. Kennedy also added that casting for Episode 8 is currently taking place.
Agreed. The tension between the dark side & the light makes for complicated relationships inside the stories. – KK https://t.co/KqjmqTSAGi
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
Luke Skywalker. – Kathleen Kennedy #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/su1SCJ1zFr
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
At one point, Abrams posted a video response to a question about the creation of the new Lightsaber, along with a surprise for the person who tweeted it.
.@ballingerfamily asks: How did you make the new lightsaber? Instructions & materials pls. pic.twitter.com/shoO11srMx
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
Throughout the event, the camaraderie between the cast was evident, giving the impression that they were genuinely excited by what they had accomplished. Check out more highlights from the session, including an impromptu duet by Daisy Ridley and Oscar Issac, via the tweets below.
Absolutely #Poeawakens – Oscar Isaac #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/J6AGnrwaU5
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
Thank you! The training was amazing. It was choreographed and I must say I learnt a lot. – @JohnBoyega https://t.co/ocq5DaCceS
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
Always! Solo taught me well! – @JohnBoyega #TwitterAwakens https://t.co/gBfAUImBqZ
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
Both entirely high level cool – my first crush was R2-D2, now I am in obsessional love with BB-8. – @lovegwendoline https://t.co/KNs0zOCDjY
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
.@sherrilynling asks to Oscar and Daisy: can the two of you do a duet sometime? #TwitterAwakens pic.twitter.com/z6WkI3dXIa
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 5, 2015
