Mads Mikkelsen Reveals Rogue One’s Ever-Changing Script Process
Mads Mikkelsen shares how the script for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was in constant flux during filming, with ongoing rewrites and improvisation shaping the final film.
Mads Mikkelsen has opened up about the unpredictable nature of the script for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, describing a process that was far from straightforward. According to the Danish actor, the screenplay was in a state of near-constant revision throughout production, with no definitive version ever truly established.
“For a Star Wars script, it was surprisingly unfinished,”
Mikkelsen remarked in conversation with Variety.
“It kept changing. One would think that was already done. I don’t think they ever locked in a draft. I think they kept working on it and improvised and went back and reshot stuff. And then came up with a better idea.”
Behind the Scenes: A Shifting Narrative
Directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One arrived in cinemas in 2016, set just days before the original Star Wars film. The story follows rebels Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, and Cassian Andor, portrayed by Diego Luna, as they attempt to steal the Death Star plans from the Galactic Empire. Mikkelsen took on the role of Galen Erso, Jyn’s father and the scientist behind the Death Star’s design. The film proved a commercial success, earning $1.059 billion worldwide against a reported $300 million budget.
Despite the film’s achievements, Mikkelsen’s comments suggest the creative process was anything but settled. The cast and crew frequently found themselves adapting to new ideas, with scenes being rewritten and reshot as production progressed. This improvisational approach, while unusual for a major franchise, ultimately contributed to the film’s distinctive tone.
Legacy and Future Projects
Although Galen Erso does not appear in the Andor spin-off series, his influence is felt throughout, with several references to his character. Mikkelsen reflected on the outcome, adding,
“I think it turned out to be a really nice film.”
The Star Wars universe continues to expand, with The Mandalorian and Grogu, featuring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver, set for release in May 2026. Meanwhile, Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, is currently in production. For those wishing to revisit Rogue One, the film is available to stream on Disney Plus.