Exclusive! Interview with The Force Awakens’ Max von Sydow!
Happy Force Friday everyone! Here’s yet another reason to celebrate like a kid on Christmas morning: the ever-elusive Max von Sydow has agreed to participate in an interview with us here at Faking Star Wars. When we asked for an interview, he simply sent this image to me via a Tinder message. After the jump, see what the old coot had to say about working with JJ Abrams, the cast (newcomers and legacy), and finally some bits on his character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
FSW: Max, we cant thank you enough for allowing us to interview you!
MVS: Yes, no problem but we must make this quick, it’s my lunch hour.
FSW: Okay first off, can you tell us what it was like working with director JJ Abrams?
MVS: Not sure who that is, but Irvin has been a pleasure.
FSW: Irvin? As in Irvin Kershner? He has been dead for like 5 years.
MVS: Nonsense! I was with him in the desert! It was a shame they didn’t bring Alec Guinness back for the sequel, I enjoyed working with him back in ’66.
FSW: Sir, Alec Guinness is also dead.
MVS: Are you trying to prank me? I had tea with him yesterday!
FSW: Okay… anyway let’s discuss your take on the new characters. How do you feel about Rey and Finn?
MVS: Ah, yes. You know, I thought Mike Hamill was a Caucasian lad but when I met him in Abu Dhabi he was of African descent. He was a fun lad to work with. He helped me up when I fell in the sand.
FSW: Uhm.. that is John Boyega, Finn.
MVS: Correct. That is what I said.
FSW: Moving on. Can you tell us a little about your character?
MVS: Of course! My character is called Jex Vinraw and he is the leader of the Kanjiklub Marauders on planet Jakkoff.
FWS: You mean Jakku?
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| Artwork by Eli Hyder via StarWars7News |
MVS: Right, right. I’m basically what Alec Guinness was to Hamill but for Miss Ridley.
FSW: Is she a part of the Marauders then?
MVS: That is correct, but she leaves with Finn after Jex dies and his second in command Tasu takes over.
FSW: So you die in the movie?
MVS: Unfortunately so. Adam Drivel’s character, Vader Ren kills me, sending Kikka on her “hero’s journey” as they say.
FSW: I’m just going to roll with this and assume you mean Kylo Ren and Rey. Okay moving on. Can you tell me more about the Marauders?
MVS: Yes. The Kanjiklub Marauders run the main civilization seen on Jakku after a large battle that took place around 30 to 40 years ago.
FSW: Was your character a part of that battle?
MVS: He was, yes. Jex was an Imperial walker operator in the battle but he and his crew were stranded there afterwards.
FSW: Very interesting what more can you– [Jacen was cut off by Max.]
MVS: Well thanks for having me Mr. Breznicant. I must be going. I have some filming to take care of for The Game of Thrones. I’ve been practicing playing “Musical Chairs” with my great grandchildren to prepare for the roll.
FSW: But I have more questions and we have 20 more minutes scheduled.
MVS: [Incoherent babbling as Max leaves the room.]
Well there you have it. Max was a bit confused, so I understand why he is rarely interviewed. Anyway, it was a pleasure having him in the Faking Star Wars studio and we hope to have him back soon. Maybe even for Episode VIII’s Force Friday!
