Over the past 10 years, Andy Serkis has appeared in Star Wars as two different characters. So what’s next for the accomplished British actor? Well, if he has anything to say about that, he’s happy to set his sights on something more ambitious. Maybe this time there’s no big fake involving a side lightsaber.
Serkis played Supreme Leader Snoke in part of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, a role that is still hotly debated today. But for those who watched Andor on Disney Plus, it’s arguably better known (and lauded) for his performance as Kino Loy during the Narkina 5 prison arc. Not only did Serkis help create his character’s backstory on Andor, but when the 3-episode character admitted he couldn’t swim, he knocked the show out of the park, to the point that fans were heartbroken prison-wide. It is no small matter to capture the hearts of the audience so quickly.
But now, he wants to do more with the team. Speaking with Screen Rant recently at Star Wars Celebration, Serkis discussed his thoughts on what the eventual director will do with Star Wars. “I’d love to,” he said when asked if he would direct a “Star Wars” project. ‘I really will be sincere. I think this universe has a huge attraction for me. I think I was one of the few actors who got the chance to play both roles in it. But I’d love to.
This is certainly an enticing prospect. Serkis has extensive directing experience, including the divisive but delightful sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage. So it’s not like his directorial debut. The only question is what kind of projects he can take on. Disney tends to take a fairly drastic approach to approving directors for its feature films, so this may not be on the horizon just yet. But this is Star Wars. There are many possibilities.
One idea is for him to direct an episode of one of the many Star Wars shows on Disney Plus. This could be a way to endear yourself to fans, and it wouldn’t be the first time someone has done something like this. Bryce Dallas Howard is an instant favorite after taking on several episodes of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett Star Wars director. Now, fans are clamoring to see her make her own movie. It’s not unheard of for Serkis to employ a similar strategy.
No matter what happens, it’s great to have Serkis in Star Wars. There’s no denying that Kino Loy alone is enough to make Serkis a franchise legend, and directing on top of that is the icing on the cake for everyone. Hopefully Serkis and the audience will see what he can do.
The Star Wars Saga is available on Disney Plus.