J.J. Abrams has been clear from the beginning that his entry into the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, would make as much use of practical effects as possible. That includes everyone’s favorite new droid, BB-8, and, if new casting is any indication, some very physical fight scenes. To that extent, a trio of actors from the Indonesian martial arts seriesThe Raid have joined the cast in a galaxy far, far away.
Iko Uwais, star of the original and its equally impressive sequel, has signed on to appear in the new film alongside Yayan Ruhian (Mad Dog in the first movie, Prakoso in the second) and Cecep Arif Rahman (The Assassin from The Raid 2’s kitchen finale). Considering The Force Awakens’ already hefty cast, it’s unclear if the Indonesian actors will have major roles.
What is known, however, is that all three men are masters of the pencak silat martial arts style, and that Uwais and Ruhian were also stunt and fight coordinators for each of the Raid films. So while we couldn’t begin to speculate on any specific characters, it’s probably safe to say The Force Awakens will include some fairly epic lightsaber duels.
The seventh episode in the Star Wars film franchise and the beginning of a third trilogy, The Force Awakens is directed by Abrams and will hit theaters on December 18th. The cast includes Adam Driver, Andy Serkis, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Issac, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o, and Gwendoline Christie, with Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker reprising their roles from previous films. John Williams will provide the score.
Revisit the film’s teaser trailer below.
