(Image Credit: Ross Hicks Photography)
After expressing interest in a Star Wars VII role, it looks as though Star Trek actor Noel Clarke hasn’t landed a part… contrary to recent rumours.
It’s no secret that everyone in Hollywood wants to be a part of Star Wars VII and the number of actors putting their name forward for the galaxy far, far away is through the roof. But after hearing murmurs of a Noel Clarke cameo, I decided to put the question to the man himself…
In an interview with myself at Cardiff Film & Comic Con, the 38-year-old British actor denied rumours that he’s managed to nab a cameo appearance in the upcoming ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’.
“No weight to those rumours at all,” he said. “Nothing at all. No, no, no… nothing, no.”
Of course, Clarke was recently quoted as being interested in a role in the upcoming Star Wars sequel… and while he was keen to brush off rumours that he’d successfully landed a small role, I can’t help thinking there may still be something to it.
As soon as I mentioned Star Wars VII there was something of a gleam in his eye… and while he quickly brushed off any mention of a rumour, he did so with a beaming smile on his face.
Now, I’m not saying that Clarke was giving me the old double-bluff… but it could be possible. After all, he wouldn’t be the first actor to keep the truth from an intrepid reporter.
And let’s just say that he’d still love to head to the galaxy far, far away.
“Who wouldn’t?” he said. “Who wouldn’t jump at the chance?”
“It was a lot of fun working on Star Trek,” he added. “I mean, you do a lot of jobs in your career and sometimes you get one that really stands out, and for me that was a stand-out role. Great cast, wonderful director and I enjoyed it a lot.”
Of course, it’s no surprise that working with J.J. Abrams was a high point for Clarke – the director is quickly racking up quite a reputation for incredible independent projects as well as the big budget franchise work that has made him a household name.
And let’s not forget that he’s also helming Star Wars VII…
“The guy is a genius,” he said about J.J. Abrams. “There’s no sugar-coating it. He’s a smart guy, a nice guy, a brilliant director and… he is appreciated now, but I feel in years to come, people will really see how good he is and how brilliant he is. I love the stuff he wrote – I love Cloverfield… the man’s brilliant.”
Whether or not Noel Clarke has really landed a small part in Star Wars: The Force Awakens remains to be seen. But with numerous ‘Star Trek’ stars attending the recent ‘Star Wars’ wrap party, I can’t help wondering if there’s more to the rumours than meets the eye.
Still, with a release date that’s almost a year away, we won’t have to wait long to see if Clarke’s denials were justified.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens heads to cinemas on 18 December 2015.
What do you think of Noel Clarke’s denial? Do you think he might appear in a small Star Wars VII role? Let us know what you think in the comments below…