Greg Grunberg couldn’t provide anything definite, but did appear to be heavily implying he will be returning for Star Wars IX. Grunberg, best known for his role of Matt Parkman on Heroes, became part of the Star Wars universe as Resistance pilot, Temmin “Snap” Wexley in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. When he didn’t make an appearance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, fans were left wondering what befell his character. A recent interview hints that he isn’t done fighting the First Order.
Snap Wexley first appeared in Chuck Wendig’s Star Wars: Aftermath as the teenage son of the book’s protagonist, Norra Wexley. In the Aftermath trilogy, Snap followed in his mother’s footsteps, becoming a vital member of the Resistance, working his way up to becoming a skilled recon flier and respected captain. Movie goers met him in The Force Awakens, where he helped in the destruction of the Starkiller Base. Snap was noticeably absent from The Last Jedi, believed to have left along with any other surviving pilot to have fled to other Resistance evacuation points, seeking any remaining allies.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Grunberg all but said he would be coming back for Episode IX. During a San Diego Comic-Con interview for the documentary From the Bridge, he was inevitably asked whether he would return for the conclusion of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He replied, “You know what – we’d better or else my wife is going to kill me for growing a beard. I can’t officially say anything, but this is getting itchy, and I’m getting itchy to go over there and do it.” By “over there” Grunberg is referencing England, where Episode 9 is to begin shooting.
With J. J. Abrams back in the director’s chair, it is likely that Grunberg would return. The two have been friends since childhood and Grunberg has appeared in most of Abrams’ productions including Alias, Lost, and provided the voice of Kirk’s stepfather in the Star Trek 2009 reboot. Considering their long-lasting friendship, and that Wexley’s fate was on many fans’ minds following Episode VIII, it would be strange if Abrams didn’t ask him back.
Not much is known about Star War IX. After the polarizing response to The Last Jedi and the lackluster response to Solo: A Star Wars Story, many are left wondering what direction Disney has planned for the future of the franchise. But Abrams appears confident with his direction and shows no interest in attempting a course-correct. While Abram’s The Force Awakens was also not without its share of criticisms, the overwhelmingly positive fan response should leave audiences feeling confident about the next installment. When audiences are reunited with the Resistance in 2019, it looks likely that they should expect one of their favorite pilots to return as well.
More: Star Wars 9: Everything You Need To Know
Source: Yahoo Entertainment
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