But that familiar face to them was not so familiar toStar Warsfans.
At least not in the context ofStar Wars.
Thats because a major franchise character was recast for the new series.
Benjamin Bratt attends a private screening of ‘Millers In Marriage’ on February 20, 2025 in New York City.Credit:Santiago Felipe/Getty
Senator Bail Organa was first referenced in the very firstStar Warsmovie whenA New Hopecame out in 1977.
We finally got to meet Bail on screen in the prequel movieAttack of the Clones, with veteranL.A.
LawandNYPD BlueactorJimmy Smitsinhabiting the role.
Jimmy Smits as Senator Bail Organa in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’.Jonathan Olley; Lucasfilm LFL 2016
So why wasnt Smits once again portraying the savvy senator?
According to creatorTony Gilroy,it was simply a matter of logistics.
We couldn’t work it out, Gilroy tellsEntertainment Weekly.The scheduling didnt work out.
We really tried hard, but he wasn’t available and couldn’t make it.
Bringing back legacy characters is really complicated, Gilroy notes.
It’s very expensive.
Jimmy Smits as Senator Bail Organa in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’.Jonathan Olley; Lucasfilm LFL 2016
It’s very, who’s working when.
A lot of effort went into it, but we just couldn’t work it out scheduling wise.
Kathy had the idea for Benjamin, Gilroy reveals.
It was just a brilliant idea.
Hes a wonderful human being and really eager and beloved on set and really happy about what he does.
Gilroy continues, It’s one of those situations where I want to do something simple.
I didnt want the guy’s work to be confused with his introduction.
