For months, one of the mystery roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens has revolved around Andy Serkis. Who exactly he would be playing and would he once again don a motion capture suit has been a question on everyone’s mind. After the first trailer was released last December it was revealed the dialogue spoken throughout is actually from Serkis, confirming some theories that he could be playing a Sith Lord.
Some of those questions have at last been answered today as Andy Serkis was announced to be playing Supreme Leader Snoke of the First Order. With this announcement also came a picture of Serkis in a full motion capture suit sitting in a Emperor Palpatine-like pose.
Already the name Snoke has been gaining attention online with some people suggesting Snoke is a fake name to keep the real one hidden from the public for a while longer. While it is an interesting sounding name, what’s even more interesting is the fact that an alien is in charge of what was once the very pro-human Empire. While this announcement answered a couple questions, its only added more as fans have new questions to speculate on. Regardless, December can’t get here fast enough.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set for release on December 18th and sees J.J. Abrams directing returning stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) in addition to Adam Driver (Girls), Oscar Isaac (A Most Violent Year), Andy Serkis (Avengers: Age of Ultron), Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Daisy Ridley (Silent Witness), Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave), Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones), Max von Sydow (The Exorcist), Jessica Henwick (Spirit Warriors), Christina Chong (24: Live Another Day) and newcomers Crystal Clarke and Pip Andersen.
Originally published May 28, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
