This article is an interview with Denise Gough, focusing on her role as Dedra Meero in the new Star Wars series, Andor. Gough discusses the unique experience of joining such a large franchise, her character's complexity, and her previous career in theatre.
Gough portrays Dedra Meero, a ruthless Imperial officer, a significant departure from her previous work. She describes the character as unapologetically on the dark side, comparing her to Gustavo Fring from Breaking Bad. The role required a more restrained performance compared to her theatrical work.
The interview touches upon Gough's career transition from theatre—where she received Olivier Awards for her performances—to film and television. She acknowledges the differences in these mediums, expressing her preference for the immediacy of theatre and highlighting the challenges of maintaining a sense of reality within the intense world of large-scale productions.
Gough discusses the secrecy surrounding Star Wars projects, the stark contrast between her previous work and the Disney experience, and the initial worry that Andor might be overly focused on 'silly space lasers.' She emphasizes the character-driven nature of the script, stating that it didn't feel like a typical Star Wars story.
The article briefly mentions Gough's other projects, including Under the Banner of Heaven and Palomino, showcasing her diverse range of roles and a potential trajectory toward more villainous characters. She suggests a future return to the stage for more maternal roles.