The principal roles of Episode III are all returning from previous installments of the saga. For the supporting characters and featured cameos in this final Star Wars chapter, Casting Director Christine King turned to the wealth of talent found in local Australian stage, film and television productions.
Since appearing in Episode II, Joel Edgerton has gone on to do such films as Ned Kelley, The Night We Called It A Day and The Hard World. His stage credits include Henry V, Henry III, Road, Blackrock, Third World Blues and Dead White Males. His television and feature film work includes "The Secret Life of Us," Dogwatch and Erskinville Kings. He returns to Episode II as Owen Lars, the future guardian of Luke Skywalker.
Jay Laga'aia has played Draco in "Xena: Warrior Princess" and Senior Constable Tommy Tavita in "Water Rats." In Episode II, Laga'aia played Captain Typho, Senator Amidala's loyal security officer. He returns to this role in Episode III. He has also appeared on the Australian series "Street Legal." The versatile actor's experience spans film, television, musical theatre, musical composition and performance of the guitar and saxophone.
In addition to acting, Rena Owen has been a writer, director and producer. Owen has appeared in such films as What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?, I'll Make You Happy, Water Giant, and When Love Comes Along. Her role of Rix in Dance to My Song earned her multiple Australian film award nominations for Best Supporting Actress, while she won multiple film festival awards for Best Actress in Portugal, France, Canada and the US for her role as Beth Heke in Once Were Warriors.
Actor Kee Chan can be seen in such films as Mission: Impossible 2, Angkor, Singapore Sling and The Custodian. His television work includes "Flatlands," "Backberner," "Wildside" and "Tales of the South Seas." He will be playing a Senator in Episode III.
Chantal Freer studied at the Australian Theatre for Young People and the Northern Beaches Youth Theatre. In addition to acting, she has singing and dance talents. She has appeared in a variety of small roles in television programs and commercials. She will appear in Episode III as a handmaiden.
Christopher Kirby's film credits include The Matrix: Reloaded and The Matrix: Revolutions (in which he plays Mauser), Queen of the Damned, and Eat Your Heart Out. On television, he has appeared on "Space: Above and Beyond," "Quantum Leap" and "Beastmaster." On stage, he has appeared in Twelfth Night, The Combustible Group and The Crucible. He will play a Senator in Episode III.
Rebecca Jackson Mendoza is a skilled vocalist and dancer, appearing on the theatrical stage and at live musical performances. Her credits include a supporting role in Hair: The Musical, and appearances in Miss Saigon and Showboat. She has appeared in television commercials, and as a featured dancer in the film Howling 111. She joins the cast of Episode III as a royal leader.
Rohan Nichol has appeared in such films as Garage Days, A Man's Gotta Do, and Kjaerlighet / Love. His television credits include "Water Rats," "Above the Law" and "The Artful Dodger." He takes on the role of a young captain in Episode III.
Also playing a Senator in Episode III is Warren Owens. He has appeared in many films and television productions, including Slate Wyn and Me, Ground Zero, "Mission: Impossible", "Law of the Land," and "Blue Heelers," as well as such plays as Not Just Bricks and Mortar, No Sugar and Up the Ladder.
Kristy Wright can list a number of guest lead and regular appearances in a variety of local television shows, such as "Corridors of Power," "Crash Palace," "Something in the Air II," "Home & Away," and "Above the Law." Her feature film credits include the lead role of Samatha in Enemies Closer and the supporting role of Nancy in The Crop. She performed as Tiger Lily in a pantomime production of Peter Pan and has worked as a photography model. She will be playing a Handmaiden in Episode III.