'I had these ideas of what it would be, and it was completely different'

Star Wars: Thandie Newton says Han Solo movie has defied her expectations

Solo: A Star Wars Story type Movie

Thandie Newton can’t say much about the upcoming Star Wars Han Solo movie, except that she had no idea what she was getting into and is very excited to be on board.

Speaking with Oprah Winfrey for a recent installment of Variety‘s Actors on Actors series presented by Shutterstock, Newton recalled her first impressions of the secretive Lucasfilm project and lamented that she’s contractually obligated not to give anything away.

“I had these ideas of what it would be, and it was completely different to everything I imagined,” Newton said. “I’m so thrilled, but I’ve signed a non-disclosure [agreement] and I can’t say a word.”

Newton is playing an undisclosed character in the untitled Star Wars spinoff (or “anthology” film), alongside Alden Ehrenreich as Han, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Woody Harrelson as a mentor figure, and Emilia Clarke as another mystery character. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are directing.

“To be part of a legacy like Star Wars, it’s loved for a reason,” Newton told Winfrey. “I could have been in it for a brief little nothing and I would have been thrilled and delighted.” It was even more meaningful, she said, “to be taken seriously, a woman of color at 44 years old, to be in a dope-ass franchise.”

Newton also said it was important to diversify the Star Wars universe as it moves forward. “We are all in this together,” she said. “We need to let go; accept; not be so afraid; fight for the truth if we know it; if we don’t know it, ask questions until you do know.”

Watch Newton and Winfrey in the video above.

Episode Recaps Previous 'A long time ago': A Star Wars timeline By Alyssa Smith

The droids of the Star Wars universe, ranked By Devan Coggan

Here's how every Star Wars movie did at the box office By Devan Coggan

Here are the winners and losers of the summer 2018 box office By Joey Nolfi

Wondering about Wookiees: Untold secrets of the galaxy's hairiest species By Christian Holub

See all the stars at the Solo: A Star Wars Story world premiere By EW Staff

Get a look at the Solo: A Star Wars Story Funko figures By Lauren Morgan

Here's how a galaxy of new books will connect to Solo: A Star Wars Story By Anthony Breznican

Han Solo goes on a Kessel Run in LEGO's Solo: A Star Wars Story set By Nick Romano

First look at Hasbro's new toys for Solo: A Star Wars Story By Anthony Breznican

Solo: A Star Wars Story takes flight with exclusive new images By Anthony Breznican

Decoding Solo: A frame-by-frame breakdown of the new Star Wars trailer By Anthony Breznican

20 mysteries and revelations in the first Solo: A Star Wars Story footage By Anthony Breznican

Solo: See all of director Ron Howard's Star Wars set photos By Nick Romano Next