:: The New Zealand Connexion

For the greater part of the Star Wars history, New Zealand has felt like the civilization farthest from the bright centre of the Universe. The dissemination of information via the internet started to change that, as did the tantalising proximity of The Phantom Menace's Sydney production, but nothing compared to the revelation that New Zealanders would be included in the cast of The Attack of the Clones. Shortland Street stars as bounty hunters and galactic miscreants? The lead actor and actress of Once Were Warriors once again playing in the same scenes on the big screen?

And now, the NZ connexion lives on in Episode 3, with the return of Bodie, Rena, Tem and Jay. And the connexion goes beyond just our favourite actors: designers, artists...want to find out a little bit more about their life before Star Wars? Read on, starting first with our Star Wars actors...

Matt G

:: Keisha Castle-Hughes as Queen of Naboo

Born on March 24th, 1990, Keisha Castle-Hughes took the Hyperspace route to stardom. She leapt straight to the big screen at the age of twelve, as Pai Apirana in the internationally acclaimed New Zealand film, 'Whale Rider' (www.WhaleRiderTheMovie.com). That movie hit was still in theatres when her second feature film credit was announced: Keisha joins the Episode 3 cast list as the Queen of Naboo. ...MORE

Matt G

:: Jay Laga'aia as Captain Typho

Jay Laga'aia was born in Auckland (birthday: 10 September, 1963) to Samoan parents. He grew up (in South Auckland, and then Ponsonby) in the age of the original Star Wars trilogy, and returned to the Star Wars audience with his son, at the opening of Episode I. With an extensive television, film and stage career behind him at that point, he broke into the other side of the Star Wars screen as Captain Typho in Episode II: Attack of the Clones. ...MORE

Matt G

:: Daniel Logan as Boba Fett

Daniel Logan was born June 6th, 1987 in Auckland. His first experience with acting came when he was 10 years old. Young rugby players were being auditioned for a television commercial, but Daniel stood out and got the part. He was soon noticed by casting agents, and filmed several more commercials, before landing a recurring role on the long-running New Zealand drama 'Shortland Street'. Coincidently, the show was also a launching pad for Temuera Morrison, who worked along side Daniel Logan on 'Attack of the Clones'. Daniel also appeared in an episode of locally-filmed series 'Hercules: The Legendary Journeys'.

In addition to television roles, Daniel has also provided voice-work for two local animated series... ...MORE

Anaria

:: Temuera Morrison as Jango Fett

A mere beheading isn't enough to truncate Temuera Morrison's Star Wars role. He returns in Episode 3 to reprise his genetic lineage, appearing as the voice and face beneath the mask of the Clone troopers derived from his Episode 2 character, Jango Fett. Already well known in his homeland, Temuera has been in several Hollywood films, but it was his role in the New Zealand film, 'Once Were Warriors'', which drew the casting director�s attention, and helped land him the role as the original bounty hunter.

Born December 1961 in Rotorua... ...MORE

Anaria

:: Rena Owen as Taun We

Rena Owen is the actress that voiced the character Taun We in Episode 2: Attack of the Clones. One of New Zealand's most well known actresses, she rehearsed the character on-set, and spoke the lines off-camera during filming. Even though her face is not seen in the film, Rena couldn't resist the opportunity to work with George Lucas and to be part of the Star Wars legacy. ...MORE

Anaria

:: Bodie Taylor as the Clone Soldiers

Bodie Taylor, special guest contributor, gives us an exclusive account of his past accomplishments and tells how he was lined up for the Star Wars productions.

I was brought up in the district of Waikato. It was there that I was cultivated in the culture of the Maaori.

I was about 14 and started to dance the indigenous dances of our ancestors. Haka, and staff manipulation, were components of the dance and they fascinated me... ...MORE

Bodie Taylor

:: Off-Screen Stars

It is interesting to note that there are also a number of behind-the-scenes New Zealanders playing their part, as well as a growing number contributing to Star Wars merchandise and licensed-products. The input of these skilled Kiwis warrants recognition too...

Matt G

:: Allan Lees, Tailor for Star Wars Episode 2 and 3

Dunedin-born theatrical tailor Allan Lees was credited in 'Attack of the Clones' as a 'cutter' in the costume department. At the time of writing, he is General Director of Theatre Associates in Sydney, Australia. His skills have seen him sought after and involved in over 350 major productions - the majority in Australia, but a significant number locally, including work with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Opera Company.

Allan's extensive background and work for Episode 2 saw him return to the Star Wars team, in the 'Tailored Costume' department, for the Sydney-based production of Episode 3.

Matt G

:: Chris Slane, dark artist of the Sith

Chris Slane knows what it means to be a Sith Apprentice.

Currently the editorial cartoonist for the New Zealand Listener, his portfolio includes much political commentary, spanning back to his work for Auckland University�s Craccum newspaper. Several Qantas awards for his cartoons punctuate his resume, and a stint designing caricature puppets for television realised his artistic skills in the third dimension...

In 2001 he contributed the artwork to a story entitled 'Nameless', published in 'Star Wars Tales' issue 10... ...MORE

Matt G