Carrie-Anne Mossrecently shared the challenges she faced playing a Jedi inStar Wars: The Acolyte. This new chapter is positioned nearly a century before the events ofStar Wars: The Phantom Menace. “The Acolyte” will make its debut on Disney+ next month.
In a recent interview withEmpire, Moss discussed her transition from the cyber-battlegrounds ofThe Matrixto the mystical echelons of the Force. Despite her extensive experience in action and science fiction,playing a Jedi demanded a unique approach, particularly as she tackled much of this new role solo—a departure from her collaborative action sequences with co-stars in her previous films.
Yeah, I think all of my history of learning to fight and- This was very different though, because I was by myself. I had always done [The Matrix] with my co-stars, and there’s a certain energy.
The Acolyte
Star Wars series that take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era.
Moss explained how this solitary journey allowed her to explore character’s strength and discipline,essential traits for any Jedi. Theintensity of her preparation was both a physical and emotional test, striving for the controlled, nearly effortless appearance of a Jedi’s movements while internally managing the complexity of her emotions and expressions.
“[On The Acolyte] I was on my own, with my team, which was great becauseI got to ignite and access a part of myself. I was like, ‘I want to do everything.’ I loved it more than I can remember loving doing something in a long time. ‘I’m strong. I can learn this. I can show up, and I can find that containment.'”
Moss humorously recounted her conversations with showrunner Leslye Headland about maintaining a stoic demeanor during her fight scenes, a stark contrast to the expressive combat style of herMatrixdays.
“With fighting, it’s very hard for me not to make faces – to constantly bring it back in, where it’s almost effortless.It looks effortless, and yet it’s not. [laughs] That was fun to play with. I told [showrunner Leslye Headland], ‘I do not want to be making a lot of faces. I want it to be right.'”
Carrie-Anne Moss Reveals the Struggles Behind the Jedi Robe in Star Wars: The Acolyte
Moss shared the challenges and physicaldemands that came with her role, pointing out the double-edged sword of her Jedi attire. The actor admitted the limitations imposed by her costume.
“It was tricky. My physical blocks actually came from the costume. It’s really important to practice in the costumes. They’re heavy. There was a boning in the bodice – actually the costume injured me the most, because I didn’t have any movement in a certain area of my back, in my shoulders.
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This physical constraint required Moss to engage in significant recovery efforts, as the lack of mobility in critical areas affected her ability to perform the intricate fight scenes expected of a Jedi.
“That was something I had to do a lot of recovery with. The costume gives you the character. It definitely gave the image, but to actually be free within the fighting, it was a challenge. Between action and cut, you go into this zone – it’s only when you go back to your hotel room, you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh. This is really hurting.'”
Moss highlighted the transformation that occurs the moment action is called on set. It was only later, back at her hotel room, that the full toll of her efforts came crashing down, revealing the aches and pains that had accumulated throughout the day.
