As a lifelong movie enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of cinema, I find myself resonating deeply with Winona Ryder’s sentiments about the lack of curiosity among younger generations when it comes to films. Having grown up in an era where movies were a magical escape from reality, it’s disheartening to see some young people prioritize brevity over artistic merit. However, I must admit that my perspective has been broadened by observing the passion and creativity of the new generation, such as my ‘Stranger Things’ co-star Finn Wolfhard who is captivated by Elliott Gould.
Despite the usual controversy surrounding the Star Wars universe this year, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy stands out as one of the most overlooked yet exceptional projects in recent franchise history. Featuring Gaten Matarazzo in a prominent role, it also welcomed back Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Matthew Wood as General Grievous, and Ahmed Best as the long-anticipated Darth Jar Jar, with numerous other surprise appearances.
In LEGO-style animation, the four-part series titled “Rebuild the Galaxy” unfolds, featuring the character Sig Greebling portrayed by Matarazzo. This tale begins when Sig unearths an artifact that dramatically alters the familiar Star Wars universe we’ve grown attached to. The roles of heroes and villains interchange, leading Sig on a mission to set things right and become the galaxy’s savior. Critics are praising “Rebuild the Galaxy,” with an impressive 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes since its debut. Rafael Motamayor from IGN remarked, “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy showcases one of the most entertaining uses of the multiverse in recent memory, packed with humorous and quirky cameos that will delight fans of all kinds.
We recently spoke to Matarazzo, who shot to fame following the enormous success of Stranger Things as he took on the role of Dustin. He discussed joining the Star Wars franchise, which has always been a dream of his, along with what fans can expect from Stranger Things Season 5 and the potential major character deaths that could come with it.
Matarazzo Has Always Been a Fan of Star Wars
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, playing a role in the Star Wars universe has always been more than just a job for Matarazzo; it’s been a lifelong aspiration. He put it best when he said, “Star Wars is the foundation of my passion for cinema.” This iconic franchise ignited the very flame that fuels my love for movies today.
Among all franchises that have been created, none can compare to being my ultimate favorite. In my opinion, it stands out as the finest example of successful world-building – a testament to extraordinary creativity. Simply being associated with it feels surreal.
Rest assured, Matarazzo is an ardent supporter of all things Star Wars. His passion extended to owning lunch boxes, bedsheets, and apparel related to the series. For a whole month, he sported a mom-made Padawan braid and dressed up as Obi-Wan Kenobi from Episode I for Halloween. And much like any devoted fan of the saga, every detail mattered greatly to him. A minor issue like having the wrong hilt for Obi-Wan’s character in Episode III caused him some stress because he had the Padawan braid.
Gaten’s Favorite Star Wars Movie & Working with Mark Hamill
Of course, with a fan as big as Matarazzo, the discussion of his favorite Star Wars film would surely be interesting. “I think Empire Strikes Back is not only the best Star Wars movie but probably top five best movies ever made… But my favorite one, the one I had the most connection with, was Return of the Jedi. It’s the DVD that I had enough time to sneak into my room with my little DVD player I found in the attic. So when I was supposed to be sleeping, that’s the one movie that I would plug in and fall asleep to.”
With Mark Hamill reprising his role as Luke, it doesn’t get any better for Matarazzo. He shared:
Rumors swirled around Mark and Ahmed [Best], and I found myself constantly checking for updates, eager to know who had joined our unusual venture. The confirmation that they both agreed to participate left us astonished and incredibly thankful.
Gaten Matarazzo on the State of Cinema and Winona Ryder’s Recent Comments
Leading up to the release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Winona Ryder, known for her role as Joyce Byers in “Stranger Things,” expressed her dismay over modern audiences who don’t fully appreciate cinema like she once did. In a conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Ryder shared that she enjoys engaging with the rising generation of movie enthusiasts, who remind her of herself and passionately discuss their love for film, such as Finn Wolfhard’s fascination with Elliott Gould. However, she becomes frustrated when there seems to be a lack of curiosity among her younger counterparts in the industry.
Ryder expressed her thoughts in the article, stating, “I don’t intend to come off as despairing, but there are some individuals who seem uninterested in movies. Their immediate response is often, ‘How long is it?'” Yet, in a dynamic industry like this one, Matarazzo finds himself sympathizing with both perspectives. He added:
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my heartfelt desire for the youth to cultivate a passion for cinema and art as a whole. Introducing this medium to them will unlock a world of possibilities, allowing them to innovate, create, and add their unique perspectives to the artform. I eagerly anticipate seeing more young minds immersed in and appreciating this beautiful form of expression.
Calling Boots Riley & LaKeith Stanfield
With two prominent franchises added to his resume (also including his voice work in the Angry Birds series), Matarazzo is now contemplating his next move in his career after nearly a decade with Stranger Things. “There are numerous talented directors whose work I’ve long admired. Boots Riley stands out among them. When Sorry to Bother You was released, I was utterly captivated by the audacity of that production and its success with something so intense and experimental.
Regarding the movie “Sorry to Bother You,” Matarazzo shares a fondness for the actor who starred in it, LaKeith Stanfield. In fact, Matarazzo expresses a desire to collaborate with him on some acting projects. Interestingly, his friend Caleb [McLaughlin] is acquainted with Stanfield and speaks highly of him as an individual. Additionally, we all know that he’s an exceptionally gifted performer.
Just like that, Gaten Matarazzo also continues his acting journey. Currently, he’s shining as Sig Greebling in the streaming LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy on Disney+. Don’t forget to catch him in Stranger Things Season 5, slated for release on Netflix around 2025.
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2024-09-23 19:01