Riz Ahmed feared he had blown his chance of appearing in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ after behaving like a "psychopath".
The London-born actor sent a dozen recordings of auditions to director Gareth Edwards, but Riz worried that his over-enthusiastic attitude had undermined his chances of securing the role of rebel pilot Bodhi Rook.
The 34-year-old star told The Sun newspaper: "Gareth said he wanted me to put myself on tape and sent me his personal email address.
"Big mistake. That day I sent him two versions of the scene and over the next 12 days, I sent him 12. I thought I had blown it on a psychopath level."
Riz also admitted he is still in a state of shock after being cast in one of the most loved movie franchises in history.
He shared: "I just couldn’t believe it. Yeah, straight up! I had to pinch myself – still not sure it’s fully sunk in. Hopefully it’ll sink in by the time the movie opens."
In the new film, Riz’s on-screen character initially works for the Empire but switches his allegiance during the course of the film. And the actor insisted ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ tells an especially timely narrative.
He told CBS News: "It’s important that art and cinema asks important questions and asks us about where our moral compass lies, as well as kind of providing entertainment and some escapism."
Riz said the new sci-fi movie has the potential to make a big cultural impact.
He shared: "I think ‘Star Wars’ has the potential to really shape culture and lead the way."
Riz Ahmed reveals his Rogue One: A Star Wars Story casting fears
