Brook Lopez's dream of playing a Wookiee in 'Star Wars' could become a reality
Brooklyn Nets' Brook Lopez, left, drives past Oklahoma City Thunder's Kendrick Perkins during the first quarter of an NBA game in Oklahoma City, Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. Credit: AP / Sue Ogrocki
Ten days ago, Brook Lopez made an appeal to the producers of the new "Star Wars" movies to get him involved in the science fiction franchise as an extra. On Thursday, the Nets center said it appears he may be making progress toward getting his wish.
"My friend works on the set, so . . . I don't want to jinx it, but pretty good so far," Lopez said when asked if he'd heard from the movie's producers.
The trailer for the newest "Star Wars" movie, "Episode 7: The Force Awakens," was released last month. The movie, set for a December release, picks up the story after the original trilogy concluded with the destruction of the second Death Star and the death of Darth Vader in Episode 6. While Episode 7 already has completed shooting, there is certain to be an Episode 8, though Lopez had no idea when that movie might begin production.
Lopez, a huge comic book and science fiction fan, told reporters on Dec. 22 that as soon as news broke that a new set of "Star Wars" movies would be made, he dreamed about getting a small part.
The 7-foot Lopez said he thought his height made him a natural to play a part as a Wookiee, the large, hairy creatures whose most famous citizen, Chewbacca, was the sidekick and co-pilot of swashbuckling smuggler Han Solo.
On Thursday, Lopez thanked reporters for helping get the word out about his dream. A reporter joked with Lopez that if he does get to play a Wookiee in the next movie, perhaps he could have a love interest.
"I hope so," Lopez said with a grin.
