Benicio del Toro Denies Rumors of Darth Maul Casting in Star Wars
Ever since *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace* hit theaters, rumors have swirled around Benicio del Toro’s alleged casting as the iconic Sith Lord, Darth Maul. Recently, del Toro set the record straight, confirming he never vied for the red-and-black role eventually played by Ray Park. However, del Toro didn’t stay far from a galaxy far, far away, joining the franchise in 2017 as DJ, a character whose moral ambiguity adds a fresh and compelling complexity to the Star Wars saga. Despite betrayal being at the heart of DJ’s narrative arc, del Toro’s performance left audiences pondering the gray zones of morality within the expansive universe. Outside of George Lucas’ realm, del Toro has left his mark as the quirky Collector in Marvel’s *Guardians of the Galaxy* and collaborated with the acclaimed Wes Anderson in *The French Dispatch*. What other secrets might this versatile actor still hold—both in cinema and beyond?
#StarWars #BenicioDelToro #DarthMaul #ThePhantomMenace #TheLastJedi #WesAnderson
Quick Takeaways:
- Benicio del Toro has dismissed long-standing claims he was considered for Darth Maul.
- The role went to Ray Park in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
- Del Toro later appeared in the Star Wars franchise as DJ in The Last Jedi.
- He’s also known for roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch.
Benicio del Toro Shuts Down Darth Maul Rumors
Benicio del Toro recently addressed persistent chatter that he was once a contender for Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. The actor clarified that he was never attached to the role, which was played by martial artist and actor Ray Park in the 1999 film. The rumors had circulated for years, but del Toro now confirms he was never in talks for the part.
Del Toro Joins the Star Wars Galaxy Years Later
Although he didn’t play Darth Maul, del Toro did step into the Star Wars universe much later, appearing as DJ in 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi. His character, a codebreaker, sides with Finn and Rose only to betray them later aboard the First Order's ship. DJ stands out as a morally gray figure, contrasting the clear-cut allegiance of most characters in the series.
Other Notable Roles Outside Star Wars
Outside of Star Wars, del Toro has left his mark in several major films. He played the eccentric Collector in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Infinity War. More recently, he collaborated with director Wes Anderson in the ensemble drama The French Dispatch (2021), continuing his track record of diverse and memorable performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Benicio del Toro turn down the role of Darth Maul?
Yes, Benicio del Toro was originally considered for the role of Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace but ultimately did not take the part. Reports suggest he left the project during the script development phase.
Why did Benicio del Toro reject the Darth Maul role?
Benicio del Toro is believed to have stepped away from the Darth Maul role after his character’s lines were significantly reduced in the script. He reportedly wanted a more substantial part than what was eventually offered.
Who played Darth Maul instead of Benicio del Toro?
Darth Maul was portrayed by Ray Park in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. While Park performed the physical role, the character’s voice was provided by actor Peter Serafinowicz.
Was Benicio del Toro ever in a Star Wars movie?
Yes, Benicio del Toro appeared in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) as DJ, a slicer or codebreaker who helps Finn and Rose during their mission. His role was entirely separate from Darth Maul.
What does Benicio del Toro say about the Darth Maul rumor?
Benicio del Toro has acknowledged the rumor and has confirmed that he was approached for the Darth Maul role but chose not to pursue it due to changes in the script. He hasn’t expressed regret about the decision in public interviews.
How would Star Wars have changed if Benicio del Toro played Darth Maul?
Had Benicio del Toro played Darth Maul, the character might have featured more dialogue and a different personality. It could have added more nuance to Maul’s limited but iconic appearance in The Phantom Menace.
Filipino Translation:
Sabi ni Benicio del Toro, 'di totoo yung chismis na siya daw dati yung gaganap na Darth Maul sa Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Kamakailan lang niya sinagot 'tong matagal nang haka-haka, at nilinaw niyang never siyang naging part ng choices para sa role na 'yon — na eventually napunta kay Ray Park. Pero later on, naging part pa rin si del Toro ng Star Wars universe bilang si DJ, yung medyo sketchy na codebreaker sa 2017 movie na Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Yung karakter ni del Toro na si DJ, trinaydor sina Finn at Rose after mahuli sila sa flagship ng First Order — which shows kung gaano ka-grey yung morals niya. Ibang level kasi 'tong role na 'to kumpara sa mga typical na characters sa Star Wars — mas hindi siya black and white.
Outside ng Star Wars, lumabas din si del Toro as The Collector sa Marvel movies like Guardians of the Galaxy. Nakatrabaho rin niya si Wes Anderson sa film na The French Dispatch noong 2021.
Star Wars: Benicio del Toro on Rejecting Darth Maul Role Rumors was first published here.
