The Truth Behind the Rewrites in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Over the years, there have been several rumors surrounding the changes made to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story regarding the involvement of Gareth Edwards and Tony Gilroy. Many inaccuracies have circulated, leading to confusion. This article aims to clarify these myths and provide the actual details behind the rewrites that transformed the final cut of the film.

Myth: Gareth Edwards Was Replaced Partway Through the Filming

Contrary to popular belief, Gareth Edwards did not leave the project halfway through. It was Tony Gilroy who was brought in to assist, not to take over the direction. Gilroy's role was to finalise the script and ensure that the narrative flowed smoothly and stayed true to the source material.

Reality: The Final Revisions Were Script-Based and Supervisory

Edwards retained his director credit and supervisory rights over the project. Gilroy came in to do the final revision of the script and assist in the post-production process. This included making necessary adjustments to the script to suit the production's needs. These changes were aimed at enhancing the overall impact of the film, particularly the end battle and the death of the characters.

Changes in the Script

The primary reason for the rewrites was to compress the final act of the film to make it both more exciting and shorter. Originally, the film was longer in the finale section, featuring Jyn and her team running with the stolen plans amidst AT-AT attacks. This version was scrapped to streamline the ending and keep it more engaging for the audience. The script adjustments also included scenes at Mustafar and over Scarif, as well as the interactive role of Darth Vader in the climactic moments.

In-Depth Rewrites

Several new scenes were added to the script, particularly to flesh out the characters of Jyn and Cassian. These scenes were crucial for answering questions and providing depth to their arcs. Additional efforts were made to integrate Darth Vader more prominently in the final battle, making his presence more significant and impactful.

It's important to note that the creative team had originally planned for the main characters to die in the finale, but the writing changed before filming began. Disney and Kathleen Kennedy gave the green light to this creative decision to align with their vision for the film.

Gilroy's Role in Post-Production

While Gilroy assisted in the final script revisions, he did not actually direct any scenes. Instead, he worked with Edwards to ensure that the film met the standards expected by the studio. Gilroy was chosen for this task because of his experience and contributions on Edwards' previous work, Godzilla. His main efforts were in screenwriting and supervising the editing process, not in directing the film's final scenes.

The rumor that Gilroy directed parts of the film is a misconception. Reports from insiders and the official film credits confirm that Edwards was the director, and Gilroy was his counterpart in the post-production phase.

Conclusion

The rewrites in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story were primarily focused on refining the script to enhance the overall narrative and impact of the film. Contrary to many misconceptions, Gareth Edwards remained the director throughout the project, and the final revisions were a collaborative effort, with Tony Gilroy playing a significant but specific role in the post-production phase.