Though there are plenty of returning faces in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Wars films, but one of the biggest points of interest is concerning the new faces. Who is Rey? Is Finn going to become a Jedi? Is Kylo Ren related to our heroes?
One character we know the least about is Captain Phasma, who seems to a complete cipher. We know Game of Thrones alum Gwendoline Christie will be playing her and she’s a loyal First Order goon, but that’s about it. There’s a certain look and presence to the character that evokes the early days of Boba Fett, which we’re sure was very intentional.
So, is she J.J. Abrams’ favorite character?
She is indeed. In a new interview with Collider, he says she’s the clear winner:
“I can only say that Gwendoline Christie is my favorite. She just killed it. You think, ‘Well, what? she’s wearing a costume.’ But it’s a lot to wear and to have a performance when you’re wearing that requires a different kind of skill set and an additional talent, and she’s got it.
It’s an incredible thing to work with her. I am glad that a character has been designed that is visually as stunning as that is, because she deserves it and the fans do to. When I first saw that design my mind was blown because it looked so undeniable.”
Also, in another interview with Entertainment Weekly Abrams explained the secret origin of Phasma’s name.
So, how did Captain Phasma get her name?
Believe it or not, it stems from an old 1979 horror film called Phantasm… which you may or may not have heard of. According to Abrams,
“Phasma I named because of the amazing chrome design that came from Michael Kaplan’s wardrobe team. It reminded me of the ball in Phantasm, and I just thought, Phasma sounds really cool.”
You may be wondering what the “ball” Abrams is referring to. Well, in a nut shell, there are these flying chrome spheres that are pretty much death machines. They’re fast, agile, and out to part your body from its blood.
Here’s their first kill from Phantasm, but be warned… it’s kinda gory:
Does this mean Captain Phasma is a death machine?
She’ll definitely be a big threat in the film, we feel. If you’re gonna have bad guys in a movie like The Force Awakens, they have to be able to really be a presence on screen and provide a big obstacle for our heroes. What we don’t know is what her relationship is to Kylo Ren. Are they working together or are they hunting Han, Rey, and Finn for different reasons? Obviously, we’re going to have to wait to hear more before we can come to an educated conclusion.
