Gwendoline Christie previews her ‘Star Wars The Force Awakens’ role as Phasma, a ‘very progressive female character’
After a break out role on Game of Thrones as Brienne of Tarth, Gwendoline Christie will now serve as one of the antagonists of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Capitan Phasma, the first female villain for a film in the franchise. She opened up about the role while talking with Entertainment Weekly in their Holiday preview.
“We know very little about her at this stage, but what I think people are drawn to is that this is a very progressive female character,” the actress says. “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.”
The J.J. Abrams directed Force Awakens is bringing the chrome-covered Stormtrooper uniform into the forefront as a leader and fans may not see Christie without the helmet.
“We are actually connecting to a female character as a human being,” Christie says to EW as they note, “…even if, ultimately, she’s does inhuman things.”
“It wasn’t just about what I was expressing above the neck, it was also as focused on what I was expressing below the neck,” says Christie. “It was an interesting acting experience as well as a fangirl’s dream.”
This is a huge break from other Star Wars films and Christie knows it: ““She’s Star Wars’ first female villain,” Christie says. “It’s incredible, it’s timely, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Christie reflects on her love of the original film.
“It’s one of the first Christmases I remember, and A New Hope was on the television. I really just fell in love with it,” the actress recalls. “I remember very distinctly adoring Princess Leia, because even in my infant mind, I thought, ‘Gosh, that’s a woman with strength.’”
EW has some fun, writing : Sorry, Princess Leia, Christie still loves you – but Phasma is ready to take you down.
“Unfortunately,” Christie answers in a low, sinister tone, “it came all… too … easily.”
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker all return from the original trilogy to reprise their role with new stars: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, Max von Sydow and Christie.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens arrives in theaters on December 18.
