The droids have it, even in SOLO: A Star Wars Story. Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays L3-37 in the new Star Wars film, and once you watch her performance, you’ll see why we’re meant to love droids forever and ever. We recently were able to have an exclusive interview with L3-37 — Phoebe — and learn all about her acting process as this soon-to-be beloved character.
A Star Wars Newbie
While Phoebe had heard of the Star Wars franchise before being cast in SOLO: A Star Wars Story, she hadn’t actually seen any of the films.
“I hadn’t seen any of the films. Yeah, I know. I think there’s like, five of us in the world. But yeah, I hadn’t. Which I think in some ways might’ve worked in my favor. Especially from the droid perspective, because I was very loose in the audition with the idea of what a droid was.
They were like, ‘Wow, you’re taking the story thing very lightly.’ And I’m like, ‘Oh. Is she not a person?’ *chuckles*.”
I found this pretty refreshing about Phoebe, even as a huge Star Wars fan. Since she hadn’t seen the films, you can see how that lack of influence, and pressure, shaped her interpretation of L3-37.
Real-Time Acting In A Droid Suit
Phoebe was able to act alongside her fellow cast members, due to a special droid suit that was created just for her. She really enjoyed the idea of wearing a suit, and L3-37’s make-up was a bit different than what we’re used to in the Star Wars universe. Phoebe explained to us why that was necessary, and the process of making her customer suit.
“Well, I had loads of fittings. The weirdest thing is, you get a scan at the very beginning. I got a scan of my whole body, and then they’d build a complete replica of your body. Then they’d build this suit around it, so it fits perfectly. And so I kind of had this green suit, this skin-tight, really attractive *chuckles*, green leotard. And then, on top of that, I had these kind of legs drilled onto me, and the arms, and the chest plate, and then the head.
It kind of felt like a bit of a hat. But it was amazing, and it was heavy. It was the first time that they’d created a droid that moved properly and was more flexible. And I could move all of my joints. She’s a self-made droid, so she created herself to be as flexible, bigger, faster, stronger, than any other droids that she would’ve met.”
L3-37 – A Social Justice Warrior
I refuse to spoil the movie for you, but you are going to love the spunk and sass behind L3-37. She has a mind of her own, and a special vision with it comes to the intergalactic version of social justice. While Phoebe admits that she doesn’t share the same sass as L3, she is passionate about social justice, just like her droid counterpart.
“It’s so cool that she’s got a cause, you know. She’s like a social justice warrior, and she’s a droid with an agenda that goes beyond her own existence, and that’s very unique. It’s good to have a message.”
Droid Writer Producer
Phoebe is not only an established actor, but she’s also a writer and producer. She’s the Executive Producer of Killing Eve, and shared that she was writing a film while on the set of SOLO: A Star Wars Story. When asked if she like writing more than acting, Phoebe shared:
“I like them both, for very different reasons. I mean, I was writing while shooting this film. And there was something really joyous about having to go from being an executive producer on Killing Eve, as well, and having to be incredibly serious in the mornings, and having these lunch breaks where I was writing scenes about brutally murdering a politician. Then, it was such a relief to put on that green suit and be a droid for four hours, and then go back to it. I loved them both, and they are both liberating from each other in different ways, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
What an awesome woman Phoebe is, and it was great to talk with her during the Han Solo Event.
SOLO: A Star Wars Story hit theaters tomorrow!
