Laura Dern might not look like your average military leader in “The Last Jedi,” but she’s still a boss
There’s something to be thankful for early this week: Laura Dern revealed some Star Wars: The Last Jedi details. And if her incredible purple-haired look isn’t enough to get you excited, this new information about Vice Admiral Holdo absolutely will.
Laura Dern announced that there’s more to Holdo than meets the eye — quite literally.
As Dern described, her character represents “stereotypes about women bosses,” which The Last Jedi subtly communicates through Holdo’s look. “If [a female boss] looks a certain way, she can’t achieve the job or she must be brazen,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “You know, all the different versions of what we label someone.”
Her fierce violet hair and long gowns might not be what some think of in a military leader, especially since General Leia Organa styles herself in more traditional uniforms. Accordingly, Dern called Holdo’s looks “beautifully subversive.” And it’s like Holdo’s daring you to challenge her, in more ways than one.
In fact, as “horrific and narcissistic” (her words!) as it might be, Dern even wants to dress up as Vice Admiral Holdo for Halloween next year. Hey, we don’t blame her — that is a look. And we’re all for powerful, female leaders.
Dern — along with Poe Dameron himself, Oscar Isaac — also revealed secrets about the relationship between their characters.
According to Dern, Holdo will go up against Poe early on in the film. After Holdo rises to help lead the Resistance against the First Order, Poe clashes with her management style. Said Isaac, “A lot of the friction and conflict comes between Poe and that relationship with Admiral Holdo.” Dern agreed, explaining that her character “enters the Resistance to shake things up.”
But is that good, or is that bad? (Don’t forget, there are whispers of Dameron not being as honorable as he seems.)
Either way, Dern wasn’t ready to spill everything. “You have to sort of figure out who’s side you’re on or what your feelings are about [Holdo],” the actress commented. And TBH, the mystery is getting to be too much for us to take.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi blasts into theaters on December 15th. But will the Force be with Laura Dern’s character? We’ll just have to wait and see.