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Genevieve O’Reilly: From Pale Sydney Extra to the Depth of Mon Mothma in Star Wars’ Andor
Actress Genevieve O’Reilly jokingly attributes securing her initial Star Wars role over two decades ago to her fair complexion in Sydney. This marked the beginning of her journey embodying the pivotal character Mon Mothma, a figure she has now profoundly shaped in the acclaimed Andor series on Disney+.
Early Days in Sydney and the Galaxy Far, Far Away
In the early 2000s, Australia’s burgeoning film industry, boosted by the newly established Fox Studios, attracted significant international productions like Moulin Rouge and the Matrix saga. Amidst this cinematic boom, O’Reilly, an Adelaide-raised, Dublin-born acting graduate from Nida, found herself among numerous emerging talents.
“Many minor roles were filled by actors readily available,” she recounts from her current residence in London, reflecting on the opportunities present in Sydney at that time.
Becoming a Younger Mon Mothma
O’Reilly’s familiarity with the Star Wars universe stemmed from watching Return of the Jedi as a child, where she was more captivated by Princess Leia and the Ewoks than the brief appearance of Rebel leader Mon Mothma, originally portrayed by Caroline Blakiston. Years later, when George Lucas sought an actress to depict a younger Mon Mothma for the prequel, Revenge of the Sith (2005), O’Reilly, a recent drama school graduate with an Irish-Australian background, fit the envisioned persona.
Reflecting on her experience within Lucasfilm’s efficient production, O’Reilly recalls working alongside Natalie Portman and Jimmy Smits. “I absorbed so much simply by being in their presence and observing actors at the pinnacle of their profession,” she states.
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However, her initial role as Mon Mothma in Revenge of the Sith ultimately faced cuts from the final theatrical release.
Reprising the Role in Rogue One and Andor
Similar to Claudia Karvan’s portrayal of Luke Skywalker’s aunt in Attack of the Clones, O’Reilly’s brief stint as Mon Mothma seemed destined for DVD extras until a decade later when a call revived the character’s trajectory.
By then residing in London, O’Reilly found herself geographically close to the resurgent Star Wars franchise under Disney’s ownership. She received an invitation to revisit Mon Mothma in Rogue One (2016), a prequel preceding the original trilogy. In this iteration, she adopted the iconic bob haircut and white robes previously associated with Blakiston’s depiction. O’Reilly humorously mentions the costume was often referred to as “the sack”.
While pleased to return, O’Reilly recognized the character’s limitations. “Mon Mothma historically served an expository function, primarily conveying plot details and directing protagonist actions,” she explains.
The Depth of Character in Andor
When Disney greenlit a spin-off series centered on Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna in Rogue One, O’Reilly initially hesitated to reprise her role. It was Tony Gilroy, the screenwriter known for The Bourne Identity and Michael Clayton, who had also contributed to Rogue One reshoots, who ultimately persuaded her.
“I conveyed to Tony my reservations about portraying another expository version of Mon Mothma,” O’Reilly recounts. “However, he assured me of his interest in exploring the character’s depth and discovering who she truly was.”
Exploring Subtext and Political Intrigue
Caroline Blakiston’s single memorable line from Return of the Jedi, “Many Bothans died to bring us this information,” subtly indicated a backdrop of sacrifice and struggle beneath the surface of Lucas’s adventurous space opera.
This implied subtext took center stage in Andor‘s 2022 debut season. The series distinguished itself by delving into the realistic implications of living under fascist rule within the Star Wars universe, becoming a standalone compelling narrative. Andor emerged as a character-focused drama and political thriller that pushed the boundaries of its genre conventions.
Andor portrays Mon Mothma’s precarious existence, balancing her public persona as a respected senator with her clandestine role in funding the burgeoning rebellion. “I present a carefully constructed image, while concealing my true intentions and actions,” she reveals, encapsulating the duplicity of her role.
Collaboration and Character Nuance
O’Reilly highlights Gilroy’s contribution to enriching Mon Mothma from her initial scenes. “Tony established the character’s intricate layers, showing her vulnerabilities, the constant surveillance she faces, and the high stakes involved. His writing is remarkably detailed and insightful,” she emphasizes.
Downton Abbey in Star Wars
Season two of Andor delves into Mothma’s affluent background on Chandrila, her home planet steeped in luxury and high culture. The opulent costumes and sets effectively illustrate the stark economic disparities within the galaxy and the potential personal cost for Mothma.
“I jokingly remarked that it felt like ‘Downton Abbey in Star Wars’,” O’Reilly shares. “The focus shifted to family dynamics, subtle tensions, and underlying threats, all of which felt profoundly human.”
Agency and Collaborative Creation
Gilroy afforded O’Reilly significant input in shaping her character’s responses to unfolding crises. She notes that Gilroy frequently revised scripts after engaging in discussions with her, highlighting his collaborative approach. “He is naturally collaborative, keenly observant of subtlety, and intrigued by the nuanced aspects of character, rather than just broad strokes,” she explains.
Echoes of Real-World Empires
Similar to its predecessor season, Andor’s depiction of oppressive regimes and authoritarian tactics evokes parallels to historical and contemporary events. Despite Gilroy’s scripts predating recent global events, the series’ themes resonate with current socio-political climates.
“The concept of ’empire’ is a recurring motif throughout human history, spanning continents and eras,” O’Reilly reflects. “Empire represents, in many ways, the darker aspects of human ambition.”
“We all bear the impact of historical empires, be it in Australia, Ireland, America, Africa, Portugal, France… the reach of imperial influence is deeply ingrained in our shared human experience,” she concludes.
Mon Mothma’s Earned Gravitas
Andor‘s deliberate pacing and finely crafted tension ensure that Mon Mothma’s eventual emergence as the Rebel figurehead carries substantial weight, transforming her into more than a mere plot device. It becomes a credible call to action, forged through hardship and strategic maneuvering.
A Career-Defining Role
O’Reilly has maintained a distinguished career, including notable roles in The Dry alongside Eric Bana and Tin Star with Tim Roth. However, two decades after her initial Sydney audition, what commenced as a seemingly superficial casting decision has blossomed into a rare opportunity – “the chance to genuinely contribute to the development and depth of this character.”
“I find her to be believable and authentic,” she concludes. “That’s a connection that isn’t always present in every role.”