Mon Mothma. The ethereal enigma that is the leader of the Rebellion in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The senator from Chandrila who fought to curb the Chancellor”s power before he revealed himself to be Palpatine. The first chancellor of the New Republic and political tutor to Princess Leia Organa. For over three decades, Mon Mothma has been one of the most iconic women in the Star Wars universe. And now she returns in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Several women have had the honor of playing Mon Mothma. She was originally portrayed by Caroline Blakiston in Return of the Jedi. When the senator appeared in the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars, she was voiced by Kath Soucie. And in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith the future leader of the Rebellion was played by Genevieve O”Reilly.
But wait a minute! Mon Mothma wasn”t in Revenge of the Sith. She was, but her scene was cut for time.
Luckily – much like elephants – Star Wars casting department never forgets. When they needed a Mon Mothma for the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story they knew exactly where to turn. Genevieve O”Reilly! So 11 years after being mercilessly left on the cutting room floor, O”Reilly is having the last laugh.
Does this make her appearance in Revenge of the Sith canon now? Maybe Lucasfilm will clarify.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters this December.
[Via EW]