The True Story Behind the Making of Rogue One
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” stands as a monumental success in the Star Wars franchise, especially after Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012. The film not only grossed over $1 billion globally but also paved the way for the critically acclaimed prequel series “Andor” on Disney+. However, the journey to its creation is shrouded in tales of creative disputes, reshoots, and alleged on-set tensions, stories that have since become the stuff of Star Wars legend.
Gareth Edwards: Dispelling the Rumors
Director Gareth Edwards, the man at the helm of “Rogue One,” has recently opened up about the swirling rumors and supposed inaccuracies surrounding the film’s production. Edwards stated, “there is so much inaccuracy” about the film’s making, emphasizing that the widely circulated narratives about on-set strife and creative overhauls are far from the truth.
Tony Gilroy: The Ghost Director?
In June 2016, Oscar-nominated writer Tony Gilroy was brought into the “Rogue One” team, and his significant influence led to speculations that he was the film’s ghost director, overseeing reshoots and postproduction. Edwards, however, has retained sole director credit and has clarified that while Gilroy did “a lot of great work,” the entire team worked collaboratively until the last minute of the movie. “Tony came in, and he did a lot of great work, for sure. No doubt about it. But we all worked together until the last minute of that movie,” Edwards revealed.
The Reshoots: A Collaborative Effort
“Rogue One” underwent five weeks of reshoots, with Edwards maintaining that he was present throughout. He specifically mentioned his involvement in filming the iconic Darth Vader corridor scene, a signature scene at the end of the film, stating, “I did all of that stuff.” Edwards’ reflections on the situation are some of his most extensive to date, providing a clearer picture of the collaborative environment during the film’s production.
A Dream Come True: Directing a Star Wars Film
Despite the rumors and alleged tensions, Edwards expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity to direct a Star Wars film, calling it a “dream come true.” He emphasized his pride in the movie they all made and expressed his reluctance to speak ill of such an experience. “Someone who gets that opportunity to make a Star Wars film and then starts complaining about it, I don’t think many people have that much empathy for that kind of person. I so don’t want to be them,” Edwards remarked.
The Creator: Edwards’ Return to Disney
Edwards is back with “The Creator,” another highly anticipated sci-fi film, bringing him back into the Disney fold as it is being released by the company’s 20th Century Studios. The film, budgeted at $80 million, is projected to earn around $14 million domestically this weekend.
Tony Gilroy: Candid Reflections
Gilroy, still associated with Disney as the creator of the “Rogue One” prequel series “Andor,” spoke candidly about his experience on the podcast “The Moment With Brian Koppelman” in 2018. He admitted to having no reverence for Star Wars, stating, “I’ve never been interested in Star Wars, ever.” He also commented on the challenges faced during the production of “Rogue One,” saying, “they were in so much terrible, terrible trouble that all you could do was improve their position.”
The Legends and the Truths
The making of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” has been surrounded by myths, speculations, and rumors, painting a picture of creative clashes and on-set turmoil. However, Gareth Edwards’ recent reflections shed light on the realities of the film’s production, emphasizing collaboration and mutual effort. The journey of “Rogue One” is a testament to the passion and commitment of filmmakers, who, despite the challenges, strive to create cinematic masterpieces that resonate with audiences worldwide.
