• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Meet Ashley
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Giveaways

With Ashley And Company

Entertainment, Gaming, Travel, & Geek Culture

  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Anime
    • Marvel
    • Star Wars
    • Movies
  • Film Reviews
  • Interviews
  • video games
  • Disney
  • Travel

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo, Laura Dern! #TheLastJediEvent

December 11, 2017 By Ashley 22 Comments

After the press junket with the entire cast of Star Wars The Last Jedi, we had the opportunity to sit down with a few of the stars one-on-one. Today, I'm excited to share my interview with Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern! It's not everyday you get to meet someone you grew up watching on TV, Jurassic Park anyone? See what she has to say about Star Wars The Last Jedi, her character, and continuing the legacy of strong women in space. No spoilers I promise! 

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo is the new kid on the block. What can you tell us about her and how you developed the character? Without giving anything away of course! 
(Thinks for a minute) I have purple hair. (Laughter) I can tell you this and great to see you! (Laughter)
There’s a new boss in town. I have arrived in the Resistance and I am a Vice Admiral, and that’s pretty much all I can tell you. (Laughs) I can tell you how amazing it was to be inside Rian’s head. Each of these characters, particularly these new characters that he invented. It was incredible to have the privilege of collaborating on who she is and how to present a powerful woman.
And the longing which I really appreciated of Rian, Kathy Kennedy, and all of our Producers to allow a powerful female character to have her physicality to be feminine, as opposed to she’s a strong female; let’s put her in the guys’ clothes. I thought that was wonderful. I feel excited to join this amazing legacy of strong females in space starting with our magnificent icon of Princess Leia. 

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

On how she got involved with the film:
Rian called asking to have lunch and talk about something. I was told he was an amazing independent filmmaker and he’s really excited about something that he wants to talk to you about. And then Kathy Kennedy simultaneously called me just to check in and say “Hey, how are you?” (Laughs) So [Rian & I] went to lunch and he started describing something he was looking for in a character and would love for me to help invent this with him. And it all sounded great and it wasn’t until sort of the end of the lunch, I was like (Whispers) is it Star Wars? (Laughter) And I was like “Oh my God! That's amazing!” I was listening to this amazing story…and that’s what’s incredible about Star Wars.
He started describing a world that was about the complexity of being a human being and the battle between light and dark, not knowing which would win, and the struggle of family and the hero’s journey. You feel it all and you realize it is what filmmakers that I’ve worked with in independent film have longed to explore. To hear him describe this complicated female character in such a beautiful way also spoke to something that rebel filmmakers have asked of their collaborators, in my case as an actor of me. And then to realize, my God, that’s what George Lucas invented. That’s why I think this stands the test of time in such a profound way. It’s not a franchise, it’s a legacy of the deepest story telling we have. There isn’t a child or an adult that doesn’t connect to that question, and that it isn’t good guy vs. bad guy. All of it is contained and being wrestled within many characters, within one’s self. Particularly this film, you feel it really in every storyline and every character in a really profound and beautiful way.

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

We all wish we could have a real lightsaber. If you could have one in real life, what color would it be and why?
I mean, maybe we need to see a rainbow lightsaber.  I think it’s time guys, I think it’s time. (Laughter)

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

I'm sure a lot of us remember the first time we ever saw Star Wars, whether in theaters or at home. I was laying on the floor in the living room watching A New Hope and wishing I had force powers! Laura, a big fan too, shares how going to the movies as a child profoundly changed her and made her want to be a part of that world.
I’m spoiled in my answer. I saw the first Star Wars. I was probably 6 or I don’t remember exactly, a little girl. It was the first time I stood in line for a movie at the Cinerama dome and it was blocks long.  And it was profound for me. The genre seemingly would not have been something I was interested in but the spoiled part is I have been raised by actors.
I’ve been introduced into a world where every movie is magical and my parents are such fans. My mother and my father, they’re rebels and they love hard core independent film. There’s no film that doesn’t hold the potential of being the greatest thing ever, whether it’s Animation, Independent Film, or something on this scale, because they love character and they love cinema.
But in this specific case, my dad had done a Douglas Trumbull Film called “Silent Running.” I’m told it was a great influence on George Lucas in that it was my dad alone in space with 3 Droids named Huey, Dewey, and Louie. I became obsessed with these Droids. Those Droids, I’m told, were a great influence toward R2-D2. And I had a figurine of this Droid and remember that idea of being in space with these characters who are your partners. Then suddenly Star Wars opened up this kind of storytelling in this massive way. So it felt personal, as Star Wars does to all of us.

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

On how her parents feel, being fans, seeing her in Star Wars:
I don’t know. They seem excited. My mother's very excited about the purple hair. She loves the look and the costume. My dad was like I didn't know you got jewelry in space. (Laughter) I said, Yes, Holdo gets jewelry in space and nail coloring in space. (Ooo)

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

I'm with her mother, I love the hair! And that fierce look? I don't think you want to get on her bad side!
Princess Leia was an incredible influence on young girls in her time. She was a strong, smart, capable woman that we all wanted to emulate. Now Star Wars features more strong women than ever before, influencing a new generation of women and girls everywhere. What is it like being a part of that and what is that influence going to bring to the whole franchise?
It's just incredible. That's so exciting. I know what Leia was for me as I know she was for all of you. And it was not just her strength in some super heroic way. But in the deeply human way that Carrie so incredibly embodied this fearless, irreverent, sassy, bold, vulnerable female. And all things could be true and powerful and kick butt and all of those things were in one character. We know how rarely we see that. That meant the world to me and now my daughter and all her friends have this in Rey and soon other female characters in this movie. It's really exciting to see what the different females do.

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

Laura Dern is no stranger to films. She has played so many amazing roles. We were all curious how she prepared to take on this role differently than other roles in the past.
I think speaking to all of the actors, it's incredible that we have this true shared experience of needing to have the moment, the fan freak-out moment, to let it all then disappear so you're just telling the story of these characters. Cause it's insane (Laughter) to get there, rehearse with Rian, and everything's deeply personal. I'm like I got my clothes on, having coffee with Oscar Isaac and Benicio del Toro, like “Hey, I'm on another independent movie with my fellow actors.” It feels like any other movie I've done, which is hilarious, with Rian who's this independent filmmaker so I'm like are you sure this is Star Wars cause look where we are? (Laughter) What is happening?
But then you walk onto set and Rian was like “Somebody's a fan, wants to say hi,” right before we were starting one day. I turned around and Chewbacca was there, embraced me and I cried. (Aww) I really cried. It was so moving to me. And then being on set and seeing R2-D2 and these characters we all fell in love with.  It's stunning. So then you have to get over it and go to work. But it's an incredible opportunity and experience. I'm so happy to get to be part of it.

Interview With Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo Laura Dern

It was an incredible experience to sit in the room and hear from Laura Dern, an actress I have always respected.

You can see Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo take on The First Order when Star Wars The Last Jedi opens in theaters December 15th 2017! 

New Star Wars The Last Jedi Trailer

Find the Force online #TheLastJedi 
 Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

 

I was invited by Disney for a special press trip to share my experience of The Last Jedi with my readers. All opinions are my own. Interview photos courtesy of Louise of MomStart.com

Filed Under: Interviews, Star Wars, The Last Jedi Event Tagged With: #TheLastJediEvent, interview, Laura Dern, Lucasfilm, press junket, Star Wars, Star Wars The Last Jedi

Previous Post: « National Geographic Kids Hey, Baby! Plus Giveaway!
Next Post: Interview with Captain Phasma, Gwendoline Christie! #TheLastJediEvent »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for robin ruerobin rue

    December 11, 2017 at 10:43 am

    I am so excited for this movie, you have no idea. This was an awesome interview.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Jeni HawkinsJeni Hawkins

    December 11, 2017 at 11:48 am

    Love, love, love her! You are so awesome and lucky to have gotten to interview her! What a fun post to read 🙂

    Reply
  3. Avatar for StacieStacie

    December 11, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    I am even more excited than ever to see this film! I’m a HUGE Star Wars fan, but I’m an even HUGER (I know it’s not a word) Laura Dern fan! SO AWESOME!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for ColleenColleen

    December 11, 2017 at 12:36 pm

    I am even more excited than ever to see this film! I’m a HUGE Star Wars fan, but I’m an even HUGER (I know it’s not a word) Laura Dern fan! SO AWESOME!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for ConnieConnie

    December 11, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    What a great interview. My whole family is excited for this movie!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for JeanetteJeanette

    December 11, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    I did not know that Laura Dern was in this movie! It will be interesting to see how her character put a spin on the new Star Wars movie! I am very excited to go see the new Star Wars movie. This had to of been such a wonderful opportunity to be able to meet her and interview her.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Melissa ChapmanMelissa Chapman

    December 11, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    I have always been a fan of Laura dern but Star Wars not so much until now. I have been reading all the blogs of people who were at the events and the new droids and this is a must see.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Amy DesrosiersAmy Desrosiers

    December 11, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    I am not a Star Wars fan but I think this was a cool opp. Getting to hear from an actress first hand is really cool.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for KathyKathy

    December 11, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    Sounds like a great interview! I haven’t seen this one yet. I’m not the biggest Star Wars fan, but I’d like to see this still.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Vanessa DeliaVanessa Delia

    December 11, 2017 at 9:19 pm

    What an honor to get to interview this woman! She’s the best and I’m SO looking forward to this film.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Claudia KruschClaudia Krusch

    December 11, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    We are counting down the days until Star Wars The Last Jedi. We are huge Start Wars fans. This is a great interview.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Liz MaysLiz Mays

    December 11, 2017 at 10:40 pm

    Laura Dern rocks and it’s awesome that she’s playing a part in this film. It sounds like she was pretty excited to be in the movie.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for BrianneBrianne

    December 11, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    Wow what an interview! My husband and son would’ve flipped to hear what she had to say!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Dawn LopezDawn Lopez

    December 11, 2017 at 10:52 pm

    I seriously LOVE that purple hair so bad! Thanks for a sneak peak, I am absolutely stoked about this movie!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for reesareesa

    December 11, 2017 at 11:34 pm

    What a great interview! We cannot wait to see the movie this weekend!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for SinisaSinisa

    December 11, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    What a great experience. Can’t wait to see the movie

    Reply
  17. Avatar for PamPam

    December 11, 2017 at 11:51 pm

    This interview got me even more excited to see the new Star Wars film. I love the purple hair, and the great female characters being added to existing ones like Princess Leia.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for SherrySherry

    December 12, 2017 at 12:19 am

    What a great interview. This looks like it’s going to be a fantastic movie. I can’t wait to see it.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for JanisJanis

    December 12, 2017 at 1:19 am

    How lucky you got to interview the iconic Laura Dern, she’s one of my fave actresses. In fact I can’t wait to see her in this Star Wars movie over the holidays.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for SarahSarah

    December 12, 2017 at 2:15 am

    What an awesome interview! I’m sure the movie is going to be great, my husband will probably want to watch it.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Toni | Boulder LocavoreToni | Boulder Locavore

    December 12, 2017 at 5:58 am

    Wow! What an amazing opportunity! I can’t wait to see this movie! We are all excited!!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Chelley MartinkaChelley Martinka

    December 12, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    WHAT AN INTERVIEW!!! She look FIERCE! I cannot wait to see this one! They’re all sold out until after the New Year!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

Meet Ashley

Avatar for Chelley MartinkaAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
Read More →

Footer

My Favorites

Ironheart Episode 3 Easter Eggs
Ironheart Episode 2 Easter Eggs Ezekiel Stane
Ironheart Episode 1 Easter Eggs
elio-easter-eggs-pixar-animation
Pins and Needles Review
Elio Review

Copyright © 2025 · With Ashley And Company