Jason Isaacs is probably best known for his villainous roles as Lucious Malfoy in the Harry Potter series and Captain Hook in 2003’s Peter Pan. However, Star Wars fans know him as the eerie voice of the Grand Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels. The Sith agent was only a regular character during the first season, but he ultimately became a fan-favorite, leaving fans wanting more. A number of Star Wars characters have made the jump to live-action as of late, so it’s natural that some are wondering if Issacs would reprise his role. Now, the actor has weighed on whether or not he’d be up for it:
I’m open to anything. It’s always about the script. I don’t want to just turn up so that I can take some photographs and go to conventions. I’d like to play parts. The Inquisitor was a great part when I played it and if the Inquisitor was a great part again, I’d be up for it. I’m not sure I’ve got the patience of Doug Jones who plays Saru in Discovery, who was the creature in The Shape of Water and stuff. I don’t now how many hours I’d like to spend in prosthetics. But yeah, Katee had a very good time. I know Katee and I’ll say, I’ve loved being part of the Star Wars world. They’ve invited me in although I’ve only ever been an animated character before.
It sounds like Jason Isaacs definitely isn’t opposed to reprising the role of the Grand Inquisitor for a live-action Star Wars project. Based on his interview with Collider, he still has plenty of love for the franchise, despite his short stint. Though it doesn’t seem like Isaacs will jump on just any kind of opportunity to return to the galaxy far, far away.
Like any actor, Isaacs would like a worthwhile story that would warrant the Inquisitor's return. He also keenly makes note of the fact that should he play the character in live-action, he’ll likely require makeup and prosthetics. The character has a very distinct look and translating that to a new medium would take some time.
The Grand Inquisitor served as the main antagonist of Star Wars Rebels Season 1, as he was tasked with hunting down the crew of The Ghost, particularly Jedi Kanan Jarrus. The Inquisitor was ultimately outdueled by Jarrus in the season finale and, due to his fear of facing Darth Vader after the failure, he committed suicide by falling into an exploding reactor core. The character later returned as a Force spirit in Season 2, in which it’s revealed that he himself was a fallen Jedi.
Star Wars characters like Ahsoka Tano and Bo-Katan Kryze have made successful transitions to the live-action realm, and there’s definitely room for the Grand Inquisitor as well. Let’s hope the right project comes along so that Jason Isaacs can actually wield that amazing lightsaber on screen.
Star Wars Rebels is available to stream on Disney+.
