SuperShadow: What’s the best thing about playing the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi?

Ewan McGregor: The light-saber action. It’s really surreal. It’s hard to believe that you’re actually on a set being paid to play around with a light saber. The best thing I have ever had to do acting wise. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve actually become a decent swordsman after working on three movies. I hate that’s it’s all over. I really do miss it. All the friends. Everything.

SuperShadow: How much are you being paid by Lucas?

Ewan McGregor: George has been very generous. I’m making more than Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill combined for what they made for the originals.

SuperShadow: That might not be much considering Lucas didn’t have to pay them squat.

Ewan McGregor: (Laughs.) I’m not complaining at all. I should be paying him. It’s that much fun. I wish it would never end, but it’s bloody well over. Went by much too fast.

SuperShadow: You worked with Tim Burton for the movie “Big Fish.” Is Burton as weird as the press makes him out to be?

Ewan McGregor: Not at all. Tim is very down to Earth. Completely normal chap. One of the best I have ever worked with. He has a distinct vision and knows exactly what’s he’s after. I had a fantastic time working with Tim because he is so funny. He’s got the best sense of humor. We were always joking around on the set.

SuperShadow: What was it like to travel the world on a motorcycle?

Ewan McGregor: I had the time of my life. It was the adventure of all adventures. I was challenged on a daily basis and had no idea I would come out in one piece. That too was something that went by too fast. Over in an instant. My life seems to be a blur. One big thing after another.

SuperShadow: Have you been approached to do James Bond?

Ewan McGregor: Not really interested. I mean it would be the role of a life time, but they want a multi-film commitment. Something like four or five films. That would be like eight to ten years of my life because they like to make a Bond film every two years. I would spend all my time on Bond and miss out on a bunch of tasty roles. Anyway it would be hard to follow in the footsteps of legends like Sean and Pierce. They don’t seem to miss it so I don’t even think I want to bother with it.

SuperShadow: What made you want to sing in Moulin Rouge? Want to be a rock star or something?

Ewan McGregor: (Laughs.) No, it was something out of the ordinary. A real challenge. I like to do unconventional films and keep people guessing. That film did pretty well so I have no regrets. I don’t think I sound all that bad considering my experience.

SuperShadow: Did you get to score with Nicole Kidman?

Ewan McGregor: I’m a happily married man and Nicole is a lady so, of course, nothing happened. She’s very lovely and I enjoyed working with her. It was quite a treat.

SuperShadow: Are you going to do any more high-budget, big-time movies like Star Wars in the future?

Ewan McGregor: I don’t really plan things out for the long run. I just take what they offer me. Of course, I don’t take every role, but I’m open to about anything. So yes I would do something as epic as Star Wars again if given the chance. I would like to work with James Cameron. He’s bloody well brilliant.

SuperShadow: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. The fans appreciate everything you have done for Star Wars.

Ewan McGregor: I’m the one who should be thanking them. My boyhood dreams have come true with Star Wars. Thanks to you all.

SuperShadow: How did you get involved with Star Wars?

Samuel L. Jackson: I made overtures to Lucasfilm that I was very interested in having some kind of involvement with the new prequel movies. I didn’t care what kind of role I was given just as long as I could do something. Anything. No matter how small a role.

SuperShadow: Are you surprised that Lucas gave you the pivotal role of Mace Windu?

Samuel L. Jackson: I never dreamed I get to play a Jedi especially the second most powerful one after Yoda. It’s quite an honor. George could have given me a cameo role, but instead he made me a significant player in the movies. I’m very grateful. I’ve enjoyed making all three of the films.

SuperShadow: Did you know going in that Windu would die at the hands of the Sith?

Samuel L. Jackson: George didn’t tell me what was going to happen to my character until he started writing Episode 3. He told me that Mace was going to die, but the death scene would be something to remember. I wanted my character to go down with all guns blazing. Mace actually has Darth Sidious defeated until Anakin steps in. At least Mace is able to hang tough with the baddest Sith of them all. I guess it’s kinda ironic that Anakin is the one that ends Mace’s career given that Mace didn’t really want Anakin in the Jedi Order.

SuperShadow: What’s your favorite movie that you have starred in?

Samuel L. Jackson: I would say it would have to be Diehard With A Vengeance. That was a break out vehicle for me. Pulp Fiction was great for my career, but Diehard really put me on the A-List. It’s quite a coincidence that Bruce was also in Pulp Fiction. I guess it was fate. Life is funny like that. You never know what’s going to happen.

SuperShadow: Did Lucas have to pay your regular salary for Star Wars?

Samuel L. Jackson: No, I wasn’t doing Star Wars for the money. I made sure that George could afford to give me a role. I know he is reluctant to use well known actors in his films. So I’m glad George made an exception for me and for Jimmy, too.

SuperShadow: What’s it been like using a light saber in a heated battle with the dark side?

Samuel L. Jackson: I was glad to be able to use my light saber for Episode 2. I was disappointed that there wasn’t anybody against me using one. Jango was pretty defenseless against a Jedi of Mace’s calibur. We really didn’t get to see what Mace was capable of until Episode 3. Sidious takes out the Jedi I’m with fairly quickly. Fortunately, Mace has the skills to keep Sidious at bay. Some would say that Sidious allows Mace to get the upper hand so that Sidious can utilize the situation to turn Anakin to the dark side. That’s cool, but I like to think that Mace really is that good with the light saber.

SuperShadow: You could argue that Windu is more skilled than even Yoda with a light saber because Sidious defeats Yoda in Revenge of the Sith.

Samuel L. Jackson: Yeah, it makes you wonder how Mace was able to go toe to toe with Sidious when not even Yoda can find a way to defeat Sidious. I guess we had to see Yoda fight Sidious so we could understand why Yoda and Obi-Wan were hiding from the Empire. It’s makes that line about not underestimating the powers of the Emperor all that more significant. We find out that Sidious, despite his age, is as good as any Jedi with the light saber. Of course, Yoda is real old too so the outcome might have been different if Yoda had faced Sidious several hundreds years in the past, but you have to fight the battles when they come to you and the fact remains that Yoda loses to the Sith.

SuperShadow: Are there any plans for a prequel to Pulp Fiction that you know about?

Samuel L. Jackson: Quentin talked about doing a prequel about the Vega brothers, but I think he figured that they, the actors, were too old now to do a film about their younger days. I’m not sure my character would have had a role, but I would jump at it in a heart beat to play that character again.

SuperShadow: Do you ever plan to attend any science-fiction conventions to meet the fans face to face?

Samuel L. Jackson: My schedule doesn’t permit me to do any of that. Those things usually happen on the weekends and I’d rather take it easy since I’m usually working all week long. It would be nice to meet the fans because I know they take this stuff really seriously. Too seriously I guess.

SuperShadow: Thanks for your time. We all look forward to seeing you in Revenge of the Sith.

Samuel L. Jackson: You’re welcome. It’s been a treat.

SuperShadow: How did you get involved with the Star Wars prequels?

Natalie Portman: A representative from Lucasfilm contacted my agent inquiring if I was interested in appearing in the new trilogy. I wasn’t very familiar with Star Wars so I watched the first trilogy. I found it to be interesting, but much different from my previous work.

SuperShadow: Were you the first choice to play Padme Amidala?

Natalie Portman: George contacted several other actors and I stood out in the screen tests. George thought I was best suited for the role of a teenage queen. He thought I acted a lot older than my actual age and I was young at the time I was cast.

SuperShadow: Did you have any input as to your character’s development in the prequels?

Natalie Portman: No, George does all the writing. We just say the things he needs for us to say to get his ideas across on screen. George has everything structured and well organized. He’s experienced at making these kinds of movies so I just trusted his instincts. After all, it’s his imagination that we’re acting out. It all comes from him.

SuperShadow: How do you feel about the demise of your character at the end of Revenge of the Sith?

Natalie Portman: I believe it is a fitting end for her. Her whole life she tried to make a difference. She really cared about the affairs of the world she lived in. She’s has a kind heart and cares deeply for those around her. To die at the hands of the person she loves most above all others is very tragic. I think her end is very poignant and will be moving to those watching the movie.

SuperShadow: You started acting as the Padme Amidala character in 1997. Where has the time gone?

Natalie Portman: Yes, it has gone by fairly fast. I’ve grown up with Star Wars and have attended college. I have experienced as much as or more growth than my character. The journey to this point has been extremely rewarding. I’m sad that my involvement with Star Wars is coming to an end. I have so much fun and have made so many new friends.

SuperShadow: So you don’t have any regrets about appearing in Star Wars in regards to fame and notoriety?

Natalie Portman: Fame goes hand in hand with movies that appeal to a wide audience. I enjoy meeting the fans and signing autographs. Appearing in the prequels is the best move I have ever made as far as acting goes. I’m able to maintain my personal life and autonomy even in the face of the immense exposure Star Wars provides.

SuperShadow: Is that because Star Wars has made you rich?

Natalie Portman: Star Wars has afforded me the opportunity to live a comfortable life. I’m grateful to George for giving the opportunity to act in his movies. I now understand the full implications of the world he created and how serious the movie goers take the movies. It’s surprising the level of interest in the final movie. The spot light have never been on me this intense before, not even with the first one.

SuperShadow: If you really were Padme, would you have fallen for a guy like Anakin Skywalker?

Natalie Portman: I’m not really into the tough guys, who have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Anakin is too intense for me to be around all the time. He has too many issues and questions surrounding his existence. He’s just not the kind of guy I would really fall in love with.

SuperShadow: Why haven’t you gotten married in real life yet?

Natalie Portman: I’m young and not ready for a commitment of that magnitude. It’s best to mature a great deal before you make such a big leap. I think Padme made a mistake by marrying Anakin at such a young age. She should have waited to see what would happen to Anakin. She could have found out about his self-destructive tendencies and his immense desire for power.

SuperShadow: Did you enjoy working with George Lucas?

Natalie Portman: Yes, very much so. He is one of the most gifted directors I have ever had the privilege of working with. He always knew exactly what he wanted from us as actors. He knows what he wants and how to get the right performance from us.

SuperShadow: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

Natalie Portman: You’re welcome.

SuperShadow: You played the role of Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi. How much did Lucas tell you about your character?

Ian McDiarmid: George didn’t provide much background information on Palpatine. What I knew was that Palpatine was a very evil man who controlled the galaxy. He had been in power for a very long time and the dark side had completely corrupted him. My character was suppose to be the kind of person that would give you nightmares. However, George never specifically gave any words as to Palpatine’s background.

SuperShadow: Are you glad to be able to find out what Palpatine was up to in his relatively younger days?

Ian McDiarmid: It’s been a remarkable journey discovering the diabolical scheme that Palpatine orchestrated in order to take control. Single handedly Palpatine brought down the Republic and the Jedi who stood for many countless generations. I guess you could say that Darth Vader had a hand in all this, but it was basically Palpatine’s cunning that brought down the greatest powers in the galaxy.

SuperShadow: Are you surprised that Darth Sidious is such a vicious fighter?

Ian McDiarmid: I didn’t know when I did Palpatine for Return of the Jedi that Palpatine had such a swashbuckling past. As Darth Sidious, Palpatine is quite powerful with a light saber. He can defeat Yoda which proves that Sidious ranks as one of the greatest masters of the Force in history.

SuperShadow: Did Lucas provide you with any information that explains what Palpatine was doing prior to the events of The Phantom Menace?

Ian McDiarmid: We haven’t gone into any depth about the origins of my character. What I do know is that Palpatine has been a politician by trade for many years, but I’m not certain when exactly the Sith crossed his path. I would suppose that Palpatine was recruited by his Sith master long ago, but I have no idea how old Palpatine was when he became corrupted by the dark side.

SuperShadow: Are you glad to finally have a large role in the prequels?

Ian McDiarmid: My character has sort of been in the shadows for the first two movies. He just sort of looks like a kindly old grandfather type. Nobody suspects that he is the one who is creating the turmoil that is engulfing the entire galaxy. I find it quite stunning for all the other characters to finally learn the true nature of Palpatine in this last one.

SuperShadow: Is it realistic for one person to be able to plot to bring down a Galactic Republic in real life?

Ian McDiarmid: We don’t know the history of our Universe. It is possible that a real-life Palpatine has existed somewhere in this infinite Universe. So I would have to say that what George has created could be very real indeed. It would be foolish of us to believe that we are the only intelligent beings in this vast expanse of existence. It would be difficult for one man to go undetected for so many years as Palpatine has done, but I wouldn’t say it is an impossible feat. Deception is rarely recognized before it is too late.

SuperShadow: What’s your favorite scene from Revenge of the Sith?

Ian McDiarmid: I would have to say the confrontation with the Jedi where Anakin joins the dark side is my favorite scene. We get to see Palpatine weave his deceit and trick Anakin into believing that it is the Jedi who are duplicitous. In actuality, Mace Windu is trying to save everyone from the Sith, but Palpatine is cunning enough to turn the situation against the Jedi. It’s very moving from an actor’s stand point. Palpatine presents himself to be helpless when in actuality he is anything but helpless.

SuperShadow: Have you been able to see Darth Sidious in action against the Jedi and Yoda?

Ian McDiarmid: As you know, the bulk of the fighting involving Sidious is done with movie magic. I didn’t do much with the sword on the sets. I look forward to seeing the finished product. However, it’s been two years since I did most of the work on the film, but it would be nice to see what really happens. Your perspective is different on the set. You don’t see everything. A movie as complex as Star Wars has much left up to the special-effects people. You can never really be sure what you are working with because so much is done in the computers.

SuperShadow: Would you consider playing the role of Palpatine/Darth Sidious in a Star Wars TV show?

Ian McDiarmid: I don’t know about that. My character is extremely fascinating and he certainly could be broadened enough for a regular TV show, but I’m really too old to commit to a weekly series that would go on for most of the year. I would expect the show would be on for many years. The work would be much more than what I did in the films. I prefer the stage.

SuperShadow: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. The fans look forward to seeing Palpatine’s plan come to fruition in Revenge of the Sith.

Ian McDiarmid: Yes, I believe we can all look forward to the movie.

SuperShadow: How has Star Wars changed your life?

Hayden Christensen: It’s really opened many doors for me. I’ve been able to travel the world and see great things. I’ve met a lot of nice people and have had a enjoyable time making the films with George. I believe these films will be the highlight of my career. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this awesome community. I am amazed at the level of interest the fans have. It’s fantastic.

SuperShadow: What was it like wearing the Mechanical Darth Vader mask and armor?

Hayden Christensen: Very breathtaking. It’s hard to believe it’s me in the suit, but I’m unable to fully explain the feeling. It’s something you have to experience for yourself. I didn’t want to take it off and was hoping that George would let me keep it, but it has to go into the Lucasfilm Archives instead. I felt honored to be allowed to be the Darth Vader the fans are so accustomed to. The fans will be floored when they see the old Vader again for the first time. There is nothing as mesmerizing as seeing Vader in the flesh.

SuperShadow: Your character, Anakin Skywalker, goes on several wicked killing sprees during Revenge of the Sith. What was that like?

Hayden Christensen: Well, George explained to me that Anakin really comes off his hinges in the last film. He kind of slips to the dark side and can no longer control his rage. Anakin takes out his frustrations on those around him. He has no problem wiping out the Jedi at the Temple or taking down all the Separatist leaders. I believe it will be very powerful for the fans to see Anakin in such a destructive fervor. It makes you realize just how evil Anakin has become.

SuperShadow: What was it like fighting Count Dooku for a second time?

Hayden Christensen: I had a blast. Chris is a great guy. I learned all kinds of things from him because he has been everywhere and has experienced so much. He got to act in the Lord of the Rings so I have tremendous respect for him. I think Anakin really wants another crack at Dooku because Anakin doesn’t believe that Dooku or any other person is a match for him. Anakin has gone through so much since Attack of the Clones that he is overly confident in his abilities. However, Dooku realizes too late that Anakin has far surpassed him in power and skill. Anakin pretty much takes Dooku by surprise.

SuperShadow: How cool was it to cut off both of Dooku’s hands and his head?

Hayden Christensen: All the bodily damage is done by computer, but it was still nice to be able to take down such a powerful foe as Dooku. Anakin has Dooku at his mercy and decides it is best to kill Dooku for reasons that are best left to Palpatine. Anakin pretty much does whatever Palpatine asks him to do. Palpatine is essentially the father that Anakin never had. Well, Obi-Wan was kind of like a father, but a strict one. Palpatine is the kind of father who lets you act out your worst feelings. Anakin feels like he can do anything with Palpatine as his master.

SuperShadow: Was it a surprise to you that it is Anakin who actually is responsible for the untimely death of his wife Padme Amidala?

Hayden Christensen: It’s kinda sad, but very appropriate. Anakin has become such a disastrous force that it is not surprising that those around him are the victims. The dark side takes away your ability for compassion. It takes over your mind sort of like an Exorcist possession. You’re at the mercy of the dark side and whatever it leads you to do. Ultimately, Anakin can’t help himself from striking out against Padme. He has such anger. So much repressed emotion.

SuperShadow: Does Anakin pretty much try to take out all his frustrations against Obi-Wan at the end of Revenge of the Sith?

Hayden Christensen: I guess so. Anakin has managed to kill everyone in his path so he feels that Obi-Wan will not be much of an opponent, but Obi-Wan is no ordinary Jedi. Anakin realizes that for Palpatine’s plans to come to complete fruition that all the Jedi including Obi-Wan must die. The hate and rage are so consuming of Anakin that he can no longer see that Obi-Wan is his best friend. Obi-Wan tries everything in his power to spare hurting Anakin, but Anakin will not relent. Obi-Wan has no choice, but to fight.

SuperShadow: Do you wish that Lucas would have allowed you to battle the Jedi while wearing the classic Darth Vader mask and armor?

Hayden Christensen: That’s not really my call. I don’t have an opinion about that. My job is to do whatever George asks me to do. I would have enjoyed more fighting, but I’m satisfied the way things turned out.

SuperShadow: What are your plans for the future involving acting?

Hayden Christensen: I’m going to read as many scripts as I can and take on the most challenging roles. I’ve really grown as an actor making Star Wars, but it will be interesting to tackle different kinds of characters. Dark and brooding is nice, but I have so much more to offer. I would like to play as many different kinds of characters as possible. I love my job.

SuperShadow: We wish you the best for your life and your career. It’s been nice chatting with you.

Hayden Christensen: You’re welcome. I’ve enjoyed every moment involved with Star Wars.