As Emilia Clarke entered the room for our interview you could tell she was exactly as Alden Ehrenreich had described – warm and sweet. She was everything I had imagined she would be. I’ve been a fan of hers since first seeing her in Game of Thrones as Daenerys Targaryen. Emilia has once again took on an incredibly strong female role as Qi’ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Although Emilia wasn’t yet born to experience Star Wars when it first came out, her brother had always been a huge fan of the franchise. Emilia watched Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens with her brother when it came out. She suddenly realized what everyone felt in 1977 when the first movie came out. Emilia could tell the movie was a blockbuster. It was next level. From there she knew she wanted to be a part of the movies one day. When Emilia found out she had gotten the part she said she thinks her brother may have screamed louder than her!
Qi’ra is definitely a survivor. She does what she needs to do to keep being around. It’s exciting because you get to see her and Han Solo when they’re young growing up. You get to see where they both came from and what they were doing to survive which was in a Bonnie and Clyde sort of way. Not to give out any spoilers but once the two come together again Han can see that Qi’ra has lived a huge amount in such a short time. Qi’ra has to grow up very quickly and hustle in the movie.
Strong Female Roles
Emilia definitely plays strong female roles in Game of Thrones and Solo: A Star Wars Story but she likes when we take strong out of that equation. Instead she likes to look at it as strength is within us as women. It would be wonderful if young girls watching the characters would just see that as part of being a woman. I couldn’t agree with her more! That’s so important especially in the world today.
On Broadway
Emilia’s dad was a sound designer in theater so she grew up being able to go back stage. Emilia made her Broadway debut in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ in 2013. She said in theater being a part of an ensemble is like magic and it’s unlike anything you could ever get when you’re filming on screen. In theater every single night you’re with your squad, working with your ensemble to make something different every night and to her it feels like actual magic. In films you’re in your own trailer doing your thing so it can be much different. Emilia thinks it’s very important to do both stage and on screen as an actor because when you do the stage it’s like going back to drama school. It’s important to mix it up, if you’re able to, because it’s important to keep going back and checking in with your craft in that way.
Costumes
Emilia’s character, Qi’ra, goes from being poor to having more luxuries. In each stage of her life the costumes, designed by David Crossman and Glyn Dillon, are so unique and different. She really enjoyed every costume but later in the film her costumes needed to have more of an impact because of the role Qi’ra plays. There’s a kind of property about her character and it is definitely reflected in the costumes she wears.
Star Wars Merchandise
Like every great Star Wars movie, there’s a wide selection of merchandise and toys as well as LEGO’s for play and collecting. Emilia had always wanted to have her own LEGO so she was so excited to finally get one. You’ll find Emilia’s character as a single LEGO and in LEGO 75209 Han Solo’s Landspeeder™. You can also find a wide variety of Star Wars merchandise in the Disney Shop.
On Director Ron Howard
Emilia said it was amazing getting to be directed by Ron Howard. She kept thinking writer, Jon Kasdan, was joking when he told her Ron Howard would be directing the movie. She just couldn’t believe he had accepted to direct the movie. Of course Ron Howard would direct a Star Wars movie! He’s so perfect for it! It was a dream come true for Emilia. She said Ron couldn’t have been better and led them all in the most beautiful way that allowed them all to be heard which is so impressive for a movie at this scale.
The Fans
We really wanted to know how Star Wars fans compare with Game of Thrones fans. Emilia said she believe there is a cross over of fans that enjoy both. I definitely agree! She hasn’t gotten to see too much from Star Wars fans just yet since the movie doesn’t officially hit theaters until May 25th. She did say that her Game of Thrones fans are incredible, wonderful and very loyal.
A Marvel Character
Just for fun we asked Emilia if she were to join the Marvel universe what character she would be. Without hesitation she said The Hulk. Of all the characters! We seriously died laughing. She is so tiny so it was definitely unexpected. I am sure she could play an Incredible Hulk though! She picked him because she said he seems to have the most fun out of everyone. She has a good point!
Check out more Solo: A Star Wars Story interviews:
Alden Ehrenreich on Being the Young Han Solo
Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“L3-37”) – coming soon
Joonas Suotamo (“Chewbacca”) – coming soon
Woody Harrelson (“Tobias Beckett”) – coming soon
Paul Bettany (“Dryden Vos”) – coming soon
Director Ron Howard – coming soon
Solo: A Star Wars Story World Premiere & Red Carpet Experience
Solo: A Star Wars Story Movie Review
Solo: A Star Wars Story Trailer
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Visit the official SOLO: A Star Wars Story site: http://www.starwars.com/films/solo
SOLO: A Star Wars Story opens in theatres everywhere on May 25th!
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