Thescreescore – One of the stars of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story recently revealed a shocking behind-the-scenes secret: he was hospitalized during production. Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed, who played the pivotal role of Bodhi Rook, the defected Imperial cargo pilot, shared his harrowing experience on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast. The revelation adds another layer to the already complex narrative surrounding the billion-dollar prequel, a film that underwent extensive reshoots and remains a significant touchstone in the Star Wars saga.
Ahmed described a sudden, intense physical breakdown, attributing it to exhaustion and undiagnosable pain. His body, he stated, simply "gave up," forcing him into a hospital stay to regain his strength. The ordeal, he confessed, was "super scary and intense and quite prolonged," leaving him grappling with both grief and the unsettling realization of his own mortality. He poignantly reflected on the experience, stating, "when something is taken away from you, you become even more acutely aware of everything you have… and on a bodily level, on a health level, you realize like, you don’t control anything, man. You don’t control a single thing. You don’t even control your body."
This candid confession sheds light on the often-overlooked physical and emotional toll of high-pressure filmmaking, particularly within the demanding world of blockbuster productions. While the specific cause of Ahmed’s hospitalization remains unclear, the intense pressure of filming Rogue One, coupled with the grueling nature of action movie production, likely contributed to his health crisis. The film’s extensive reshoots, as previously discussed by co-star Alan Tudyk, further underscore the chaotic and demanding environment.
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Ahmed’s experience, however, wasn’t entirely negative. He emerged from this ordeal with a renewed perspective, an experience that undoubtedly informed his subsequent role in Sound of Metal, a film exploring themes of loss and resilience. His story serves as a potent reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of performers, a crucial consideration for producers navigating the demanding world of big-budget filmmaking. The incident adds a compelling layer to the Rogue One legacy, transforming it from simply a box-office success into a testament to the human cost and resilience within the cinematic machine. This behind-the-scenes drama is a must-read for any Star Wars fan or film enthusiast. The full interview can be found on thescreescore.com.
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