From the moment she debuted in the trailer, Captain Phasma was one of the most intriguing characters in The Force Awakens. The slick chrome armor, the regal cape, and her imposing presence arrested fans with interest and questions. Just like Vader and Boba Fett before her, she was mysterious, and her motives and reactions were interpreted via her mannerisims and her words, as opposed to being able to read anything from her facial expressions.
Entertainment Weekly’s James Hibberd had a chance to sit down with Gwendoline Christie, the woman behind the armor, and ask how she felt about never removing her helmet, and fans never seeing her face.
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“I thought it was a really interesting opportunity because as an actor I’m interested in transformation and different kinds of roles,” Christie told EW. “What’s the role about? Who is the character? What does the character mean in the function of a project or story? I thought it was a really interesting opportunity to play a female character where we formed an opinion of her based on her actions rather than the way she has been made flesh. And that concept within a Star Wars movie, a mainstream phenomenon, was very modern and interesting and exciting. I made no secret of the fact I wanted to be in the film, I campaigned hard to be in the film, but to be in it as that kind of character – she’s a woman, she’s in armor, the armor isn’t sexualized, and in the film we don’t see the actor’s face – I thought that was an exciting, modern concept. And obviously, I’m delighted to be in another film [Episode VIII].”
I have to agree with her that the crew did a fantastic job not sexualizing the character. No weird cut-outs or random pieces missing like we have become accustomed to. Hopefully that will be a baton that doesn’t get dropped by films in the future. My only issue with Phasma was her lack of screentime. I wanted more! Hopefully Episode VIII will oblige.
