'I had to pinch myself:' Rogue One's Riz Ahmed joins the Star Wars universe

Not many peoplecan say they have their own action figure, so British actor Riz Ahmed could be excused for not knowing what to do with one made in his likeness.

"I didn't bring it with me. That would be weird. Although maybe I should start rolling around withtheaction figure at all times," Ahmed quipped to CBC News.

Rogue One respects Star Wars heritage and 'offers something fresh'

8 years ago

Duration 0:23

Rogue One actor Riz Ahmed on what the standalone film contributes to the wider Star Wars universe.

It's been a breakthrough year for the 34-year-old actor.He's the star ofHBO'sThe Night Of, plays a lead role inJason Bourneand, with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is officially part of one of the biggest movie franchises in history.

"I just couldn't believe it.Yeah, straight up! I had to pinch myself still not sure it's fully sunk in. Hopefully it'll sink in by the time the movie opens," he said during a recent stop in Toronto.

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens becomes fastest film to $1 billion at box office

In 2015,Star Wars: The Force Awakensreached a box-office milestone with record-setting speed.Rogue Oneis expected to bea tougher sell especially to Star Warspurists since it's the first in a new series of standalone films.

Ahmed portrays Bodhi Rook, acargo pilot who works for the Empire but changes course when faced with a harsh truth. He believes the new film is timely in today's political climate.

"It's important that art and cinema asks important questionsand asks us about where our moral compass lies, as well as kind of providing entertainment and some escapism," he said.

Born and raised in England,Ahmedwatched the Brexitvote and,more recently, the U.S. presidential election with great interest.

"People want change and it's really up to us what kinds of visions of change we offer them. You could say that on the one hand things are moving in unexpected directions, but that doesn't mean they only have to move in one direction."

Amid a second year of #OscarsSoWhite outcry and widespread discussion about more accurate depictionsonscreen, Ahmed considersRogue One's diverse cast and strong femalelead (Felicity Jones) as a possible changing of the guard.

• #OscarsSoWhite, Hollywood diversity woes loom over Academy Awards

"I think Star Wars has the potential to really shape culture and lead the way," he said, noting co-stars ForestWhitaker, JiangWenand himselfon the film'smovie poster.

'It just makes sense:' Riz Ahmed on Rogue One's fresh approach to casting

8 years ago

Duration 0:41

The actor from the upcoming standalone tale Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on the film's potentially culture-shaping, globally reflective casting.

"When people like [producer] Kathy Kennedy decide that they're going to put a woman front and centre of Force Awakens or Rogue One, I think people will sit up and take notice."

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in Canadian cinemas on Dec. 16.