Key Takeaways:
– Adam Driver felt hesitant about accepting the big role of Kylo Ren in Star Wars due to the fear of character's sacrifice for glamour and glory.
– Initially, the character was intended to be a bit older, and J.J. Abrams was considering casting a veteran actor.
– The renowned Marvel actor, Michael Fassbender, could have replaced Adam Driver for the role of Kylo Ren.
– Ultimately, Adam Driver was selected for the role and his exceptional performance led to the film's success.
Introduction
Adam Driver delivered an unforgettable performance as Kylo Ren in the Star Wars saga, although he initially had reservations about accepting the role. His fear of characters being compromised for glamour and spectacle made him hesitant, but the complex character ultimately won him over.
Driver's Initial Apprehension
When first approached for the role of Kylo Ren, Adam Driver admitted to feeling a bit unsure. It wasn't just about taking on a major role, but about the potential sacrifice of character depth in favour of spectacle, a trend he noticed common in big franchise productions. His concern rested upon his vision for Kylo Ren, a complex character with layered emotional tones, not a mere spectacle for the viewer.
The Complexity of Kylo Ren
Driver was enthralled by the concept of Kylo Ren as a conflicted, vulnerable character hiding behind a mask. He stated, “Kylo's pretending to be on the outside is not who he is. He's a vulnerable kid who doesn't know where to put his energy, but when he puts his mask on, suddenly, he's playing a role.” The challenge of bringing such a complex character to life was the reason Driver ultimately agreed to take the part.
The Original Plan of J. J. Abrams
J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, had originally envisioned the character of Kylo Ren as a seasoned adult who had experienced significant trauma. For this older depiction of Ren, Abrams considered casting a veteran actor. Michael Fassbender was one on his list.
Michael Fassbender as the Alternative
Michael Fassbender, who brilliantly played Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past, was Abrams' top choice to play Kylo Ren due to his past experience in portraying complex characters. Despite this consideration, Fassbender wasn't ultimately cast in the role.
Stepping into The Role
Despite the initial considerations and Adam's own hesitation, the role was finally bagged by Adam Driver. His portrayal of Kylo Ren was highly praised and the film itself was a huge hit, with strong ratings on both IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes.
Preview of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Today, fans can relive Adam Driver's iconic performance as Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, available for streaming on Disney+ in the U.S. As we look back, we can appreciate the thought and complexity that went into the portrayal of Kylo Ren—showing us that sometimes, it's the complex and layered characters that truly make a movie unforgettable.
Conclusion
This account of Adam Driver's journey to his role in Star Wars showcases his commitment to character over glamour, proving that the success of a role lies in complex character development rather than spectacle. His portrayal of Kylo Ren has left an unforgettable mark on viewers, forever immortalizing him in the annals of Star Wars history.
