Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen on how he changed Rogue One: a Star Wars story
Yen explains why he hesitated when offered a role in Star Wars, why he suggested his character be blind, and how working in Hollywood has given him a greater appreciation for the local film industry
Donnie Yen Ji-dan was once sarcastically called “the strongest in the universe” by Hong Kong’s entertainment press for his presumed overconfidence in himself. But the last laugh is on them.
In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the first standalone film from the sci-fi adventure series, the Hong Kong action star more than lives up to his moniker with the crowd-pleasing role of Chirrut Imwe, purportedly the best warrior in the galaxy far, far away. Still, it might be hard for fans to understand that Yen nearly turned down Star Wars – because he didn’t want to be kept away from home.
Watch: Stars of ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ at London premiere
“It was several months after I was approached for the part that I decided to take it up,” says the 53-year-old actor. “Because it would mean that I had to leave Hong Kong – and my children – for months. I couldn’t make up my mind at the beginning. But, of course, I feel lucky that I didn’t turn it down.”
Yen reveals that it was his suggestion to make Chirrut Imwe, who is closely connected to the Force, a blind character. “They asked for my opinions after giving me the script, and I told them I thought the character could use some more distinctive characteristics,” he explains.