“The Force belongs to me”: Sam Witwer’s Genius Scene Idea Convinced Lucasfilm Playing Starkiller Was His Destiny in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Sam Witwer’s journey into the Star Wars universe began with his portrayal of Starkiller. Starkiller was the secret apprentice of Darth Vader in the 2008 video game “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.” His deep-rooted passion and knowledge of the franchise significantly contributed to his successful audition. 

A self-proclaimed Star Wars geek, Witwer’s knowledge of the franchise is more than just trivia—it’s an intrinsic part of who he is. His performances as Starkiller, Darth Maul, and the Son of Mortis have left lasting impressions on fans and the franchise alike.

Sam’s Unique Take on Starkiller During His Audition

During his audition for Starkiller, Witwer was given a scene where the character meditates and assembles his lightsaber using the Force. Instead of portraying a serene meditation, Witwer opted for a more intense approach, emphasizing Starkiller’s struggle and aggression. 

He explained on an episode of Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum that as a Sith apprentice, Starkiller would not know inner peace, but would instead forcefully command the Force. He said:

He’s a Sith. He thinks this is how you do it. You force the pieces together. This is MY Job, The Force belongs to me. Vader would never would have taught him how to find inner piece, he would’ve taught him to do the opposite

This insightful interpretation impressed the directors and secured him the role. The genius of Witwer’s performance lay in his ability to blend physicality with deep character understanding. His portrayal of Starkiller was about the actions and the psychology behind them.

Witwer argued that Starkiller, as Vader’s secret apprentice, would not have been taught inner peace, but rather to dominate the Force, reflecting Vader’s own teachings. This interpretation was so compelling that it became a pivotal aspect of Starkiller’s character.

Witwer’s work in The Star Wars IP Extend Beyond Starkiller

Witwer’s performance extended beyond just Starkiller. He also provided the voice for Emperor Palpatine in “The Force Unleashed” games. His ability to deliver nuanced performances while staying true to the Star Wars mythology made him a standout talent in the franchise. 

This dedication caught the eye of Dave Filoni, leading to more significant roles in other Star Wars projects. In “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” Witwer’s portrayal of Darth Maul became iconic. Initially unsure about Maul’s return, Witwer embraced the role, adding depth and complexity to the character. 

Witwer’s continued involvement in Star Wars, from “The Clone Wars” to “Star Wars Rebels” and beyond, demonstrates his lasting influence on the franchise. His performances are memorable for their intensity, authenticity, and respect for the source material. Witwer’s dedication to his roles and deep understanding of Star Wars have made him a beloved figure among fans.

His Impact Onto Other Aspiring Actors

Throughout his Star Wars career, Witwer has demonstrated that being a superfan can be a powerful asset. His detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the Star Wars lore have allowed him to contribute meaningfully to the franchise.

Aspiring actors can learn from Witwer’s approach to his Star Wars roles. His success was due to his acting skills, passion, and critical thinking about the characters and stories he portrayed. His ability to delve deeply into the lore and bring fresh, thoughtful interpretations to them sets him apart, and made his performances resonate with audiences.

His dedication to the lore and critical thinking have made him an invaluable asset to Lucasfilm, proving that being a superfan can sometimes be the best qualification for a role in a beloved franchise.