If there’s anything Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has been proving, it’s that Disney and Lucasfilm are not too shy to reference and even embrace the prequels, at least in part when it comes to the expanded universe, ala books, TV shows, and anthology films. Genevieve O'Reilly recently reprised her minor, albeit ultimately cut role as Mon Mothma from Revenge of the Sith, and now it looks as if Jimmy Smits is returning as well.
For those who didn’t or still haven’t watched the prequel trilogy, Jimmy Smits plays Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan, one of the principal figures and founders of The Rebellion, and the adoptive father of Princess Leia. He is ultimately killed in A New Hope, when the Death Star fires upon and destroys the planet. Rogue One however takes part before 4
th saga film, and for some time now Star Wars fans have been wondering will Alderaan and/ or Bail Organa appear in some form.
Well, now we have an answer to one of those questions. In a recent interview with CBS’ The Talk, when pressed for answers Jimmy Smits confirmed that he will be making an appearance in the upcoming film. When The Talk presented him with an image suposedly containing his character (he's masked by the camera on the right) from a Rogue One sizzle reel, he played coy at first, denying it, but eventually he gave an answer. “Can you say the word, ‘cameo?’” he said with a smile. “Can you say the words, ‘small part?’"
Are you excited for Jimmy Smits involvement in Rogue One? Be sure to comment below with your thoughts.
For more information on Bail Organa, be sure to check out his databank entry over at starwars.com:
http://www.starwars.com/databank/bail-organa.