More Star Wars: Episode II casting roles

By Azad July 19, 2000 10:58 AM

     Print Story

News from the Star Wars website have revealed more actors that have landed roles in George Lucas' Star Wars: Episode II. The movie is currently shooting in Australia. I found a compiled list from the SciFi Website briefly describing the new actors. From what I see, it's a virtually unknown cast, but that is good in a sense because it will give them a chance to showcase their talents. Has anyone heard of Harrison Ford before he was casted in the first Star Wars trilogy? I think not, but he became a legend afterwards. Here's the list:

Temuera Morrison, the Maori actor best known for his starring role in the New Zealand film Once Were Warriors, will play a bounty hunter. (Rumors say that the role will be that of Boba Fett's father.) "I have admired Temuera since first seeing him in Once Were Warriors," casting director Robin Gurland told the Star Wars Web site. "When George was creating this role, I spoke to him about Tem, and he also thought Temuera would be a wonderful addition to the cast." Morrison has appeared in such films as Barb Wire, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Speed 2, Six Days Seven Nights and Hangman's Daughter.

Ayesha Dharker will play a "regal leader." The Indian actress played the lead role in The Terrorist, for which she won a nomination for best actress from the National Film Awards of India and the Cairo Film Festival award for best artistic contribution by an actress. She also played the lead in Manika and appeared with Patrick Swayze in the U.S. film City of Joy.

Marton Csokas will play a "planetary leader." Along with more than 10 years in theatrical performances, Csokas has appeared in television's The Three Stooges, The Farm and The SCI FI Channel original series Farscape. He has also acted in the films Rain, Broken English and Jack Brown Genius. Csokas will be seen as Celeborn in New Line's upcoming The Lord of the Rings films.

Anthony Phelan will play a "global director." Along with dozens of theatrical productions, the Australian actor played the role of Ken Smith on Oz TV's Home & Away and appeared in the movies Babe: Pig in the City, Heaven's Burning and Great Falls.

Ronald Falk will play a "local proprietor." A radio veteran for 20 years with ABC's The Science Show, the Australian won the 1988 Sydney Theatre Critic's Award for best supporting performance in Rough Crossing, the Victorian Green Room Award for best supporting actor for Newman Noggs and a 1999 Norman Kessell Awards nomination for outstanding performance by an actor in Burnt Piano.

Rena Owen will appear in an undisclosed role. A writer, director and producer, Owen has appeared in the films What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?, I'll Make You Happy and When Love Comes Along. Her performance as Rix in Dance to My Song earned her multiple Australian film award nominations for best supporting actress. She also won multiple film festival awards in Portugal, France, Canada and the United States for her role of Beth Heke in Once Were Warriors.

Ian Watkin will play a "food server." The New Zealand actor has appeared in theater, New Zealand television and feature films since 1970. His film credits include Braindead, Death Warmed Up, The Lost Tribe, Carry Me Back and Wild Man.

Five-year-old Phoebe Yiamkiati will play a Jedi hopeful in her motion picture debut. She has appeared in television and print advertising.

Tweet This Now!