Star Wars role a dream for extra

A Star Wars fan who had never appeared as an extra before got the thrill of his life by getting to be in the new film.

Anthony Edmonds, 33, who lives in Wendover had just returned from working abroad when he auditioned for the extra role.

And, he was thrilled to be accepted, not least because he got to perform as an X-Wing pilot alongside star Harrison Ford in The Force Awakens.

Filming, which took place last September took two weeks, and Anthony was posted to Greenham Common and Pinewood Studios to complete his performance.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

L to R: Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford)

Ph: Film Frame

©Lucasfilm 2015 ANL-151215-152512001Star Wars: The Force Awakens

L to R: Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford)

Ph: Film Frame

©Lucasfilm 2015 ANL-151215-152512001
Star Wars: The Force Awakens L to R: Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) Ph: Film Frame ©Lucasfilm 2015 ANL-151215-152512001

He said:”The Force Awakens is probably one of the biggest films of the last 30 years, it is amazing to have been involved.

“At Greenham Common they had the Milenium Falcon so I saw that, and when I was told to go pick up my X-Wing Pilot costume I was like ‘YES!’

“Most of the extras working on it would have paid to be there, I was brought up on Star Wars so I certainly would, it was so exciting.

“One lady I met had worked as an extra on the first films too.”

Since filming Star Wars Anthony has worked on a string of other films, including the latest James Bond with Daniel Craig.

He went to one of the first screenings of Star Wars, and was excited to spot himself in a number of scenes, including standing behind Chewbacca during a key Rebel Alliance discussion.

He said: “Being in the film doesn’t take away any of the magic because I didn’t even know the full story until it came out.

“Everyone kept the story line very close to their chests and we had to sign secrecy agreements.

“Everyone, including the major stars were so nice, and there were no egos on set. Everyone was just really excited to be involved.

“John Boyega, who is going to be one of the biggest stars in the world came and chatted to us all, he was even asking for our Fifa video game IDs so we could play against each other.”

He added: “Now I just have to try and get onto the next film, that would be amazing.”

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