On Thursday, Dec. 17, I arrived at the movie theater three hours early to make sure I'd have a great seat for the opening of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The movie had been so hyped, and I'm happy to report that it lived up to every expectation I had. Because it was so good, I'm anticipating seeing it again and again over winter break. Seeing a movie more than once often opens your eyes to things that you originally missed during your first viewing. Because so many of us are probably going to watch "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" more than once, here are a few celebrity cameos to look for during your next viewings:
I must warn you though, there are spoilers in the next part of this article, so if you haven't seen the movie, stop reading and go see it! Now!
1. Daniel Craig's a stormtrooper!
After the movie's opening, word got out that 007 himself had a very special cameo as a stormtrooper. The action takes place in a scene where the lead character Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) is locked up by the First Order. In the scene, she uses The Force to trick a stormtrooper (aka Daniel Craig) to free her. The scene is reminiscent of Obi-Won Kenobi in the "Star Wars: A New Hope," where he says, "These aren't the droids you're looking for." After Rey tells the stormtrooper, "You'll remove these restraints and leave the cell with the door open," Craig exclaims behind his mask, "I'll tighten those restraints, scavenger scum!" Eventually, he does comply to The Force, and Rey is amazed that it actually works. So make sure to look for Craig's British voice in that scene.
2. Ewan McGregor is back!
If you've seen the movie, you'll remember the dream-like sequence after Rey touches Luke Skywalker's lightsaber for the first time. The scene is very fast-paced with different visuals, scenes, and voice-overs. One of those voice-overs is Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, Ewan McGregor. At the end of the scene, you'll hear him say, "Rey, these are your first steps." The scene is very busy, so it's hard to catch it the first time, but a second viewing is sure to do the trick. Here's what director J.J. Abrams said about McGregor's voice-over part:
"We asked Ewan McGregor to come in and do the line. And he was awesome and we were very grateful. He was incredibly sweet and handsome, and all that stuff. Then he rode off on his motorcycle. Literally the coolest voice over actor ever.”
3. Simon Pegg played Unkar Plutt!
It's no secret that "Star Trek's" Simon Pegg is a huge "Star Wars" fan. J.J. Abrams knew this and offered him a cameo in the film. He plays Unkar Plutt, who you'll recognize as the creature who tries to buy BB8 from Rey on the planet Jakku. The character actually has quite a few lines, but it's extremely hard to recognize Pegg because he's disguised his voice and is wearing an elaborate costume.
4. Stephan and Jean Ralphio voiced BB8?
Yes, it's true. BB8's voice was created with a little help from "Saturday Night Live's" Bill Hader, who's famous for playing the flamboyant, club-hopping Stephan on "Weekend Update." Ben Schwartz also helped out, too. You may know him from "Parks and Recreation," where he plays Tom Haverford's outrageous best friend, Jean Ralphio. The two were more than excited to have their names tied to the franchise. Schwartz said on social media:
"You're looking at a bonafide BB8 voice-over consultant. And nothing makes me happier. This movie is amazing. Quite possibly the hardest and coolest secret I've ever had to keep. Seeing my name in the credits of a Star Wars film made me smile so wide it almost tore my face. J.J. did this franchise so proud. Can't wait for everyone to see!"
5. Carrie Fisher's daughter works for The Resistance.
Though Carrie Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd, doesn't play Leia's daughter in the film, you can still see her working for The Resistance. She plays Lieutenant Connix, and you can see her in scenes at The Resistance's base. She also sports original Leia buns, and although her hair is blonde, she looks a lot like the young Princess of Alderaan, so it's not hard to spot her!
6. "Hamilton" composer wrote the Cantina song.
J.J. Abrams revealed on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" that he saw the hip-hop musical "Hamilton" and was completely amazed. Because he was so impressed with the musical, he asked its creator, composer, and star Lin Manuel Miranda to write the song you hear in the bar scene, which takes place in Maz Kanata's establishment. And the vocals you hear on the track? That's Miranda and Abrams' voices. Just imagine them singing in a recording booth the next time you watch that scene.
Make sure to look out for these special cameos next time you see the movie, because we all know that we'll be seeing it at least a second time.
