Thandie Newton opens up about being one of the first women of color to take on a lead role in a Star Wars film via playing Val in the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story prequel.
This makes her the first black woman directing Star Wars as she starts work on the upcoming J.J. Abrams’ directed/written movie.
“I’m the first woman of colour to have a prominent role in the Star Wars legacy.
While Newton’s casting is a significant leap towards diversifying Star Wars in front of the camera – especially in addition to Kelly Marie Tran’s role as Rose Tico in Star Wars: The Last Jedi – a similar phenomenon has also taken place behind-the-scenes with the addition of Victoria Mahoney as a second unit director on the upcoming Star Wars 9.