Game of Thrones star praises ‘very progressive’ Star Wars franchise
Gwendoline Christie has praised the writing of her character in The Force Awakens.
The Game of Thrones favourite will play new villain Captain Phasma in the latest addition the much loved sci-fi saga.
As anticipation for the film reaches fever-pitch, the Brienne of Tarth actress recently discussed the film makers refreshing approach to her Force Awakens character.
“We knew very little about her at this stage, but what I think people are drawn to is that this is a very progressive female character,” she told EW.
“We see Captain Phasma, and we see the costume from head to toe, and we know that it is a woman.
“But we are used to, in our media, connecting to female characters via the way that they look, from the way they are made flesh,” she pointed out.
“We are actually connecting to a female character as a human being.”
The actress also added that she could not be happier to be representing The Dark Side as the franchise’s first female villain.
“It’s incredible, it’s timely, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
In September, Star Wars writer Chuck Wending issued an epic response to critics who were unhappy with the introduction of a major new gay character into the Star Wars universe.
Wending revealed in a recent interview that the franchise would be introducing the character in his new novel – Star Wars: Aftermath.
The new character has been dubbed the first major gay character in the Star Wars Universe.
Fans were quick to point out, however, that lesbian jedi Juhani, featured in the 2003 game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – making her technically the universe’s first gay hero.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives in UK cinemas on December 17, 2015 and in US cinemas on December 18, 2015.
Watch the final trailer below.
