Star Wars Rogue One reshoots: Mads Mikkelsen weighs in on controversy: 'It's still the same film'

Speaking to The Independent, the actor said: 'It’s just adding little bits here and there'

(Getty)

Over the last few weeks, the number of conflicting reports concerning the ongoing Rogue One: A Star Wars Story reshoots has been growing exponentially.

One detailed how 40% of the film is set to be redone, the tone being lightened to match The Force Awakens, while more defensive articles have asserted that the reshoots are merely standard practice.

In an interview with The Independent, actor Mads Mikkelsen spoke candidly about the reshoots, saying director Gareth Edwards is merely adding the final polish to the film.

He added that Disney is not particularly worried about the conflicting reports as it is “free publicity” for the film.

Here’s a segment of the conversation, part of Mikkelsen’s promotional efforts for the UK release of Men and Chicken.

You’re in Rogue One, apparently playing a semi-villain who is ‘not a bad guy,’ is there anything you can tell me about the character?

I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to say without killing you. I play someone in the film, yes. So far, so good.

There is a lot of talk about the ongoing reshoots, are you involved with them?

I have one day. I can’t remember when, in two weeks I think.

It’s been very mixed in the press, with two sides; some sources are claiming the film will undergo big changes while others are saying it will be very minimal. What’s the feeling you have from being involved with the film?

Basically, all the big films I have done always have reshoots, it is part of their budget. They’re either not super happy with a scene bit, the way we were acting, or maybe there’s something they want to add. It’s not a new thing, it happens with every film. Whether it’s bigger or less, I have no idea, I have nothing to compare with. It’s the same film, it’s just adding little bits here and there to do the final polishing. That’s my feeling.

It’s interesting because, obviously, films get reshot all the time but, for this one, it has been talked about everywhere.

That’s also interesting, to make the right goal and all the rumours happening. [Disney] love that, it’s free publicity.

In the same interview, Mikkelsen also spoke about Doctor Strange, the possibility of Hannibal season four, and why he’s always the villain in America films. The full interview will be available in the near future.

Men and Chicken - a dark, Danish comedy starring Mikkelsen as a childlike character - reaches cinemas 15 July.