Luminara Unduli, one of several Jedi Knights introduced in the prequels, returns in high form for this week's episode of The Clone Wars, "Cloak of Darkness". Confronting Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress, Luminara's warrior mettle is put to the test, as are her skills at guiding Padawan Ahsoka in the ways of the Jedi.
Giving voice to Clone Wars' strong and steady Luminara is Olivia d'Abo, who first cameoed the character in hologram form during the "Malevolence" story arc from several weeks ago. A veteran actress of theater, television and film (some may remember her as Kevin Arnold's older sister Karen in The Wonder Years), D'abo brings a noble grace to this obscure Jedi which is sure to engage many fans after viewing tonight's episode.
We asked Olivia a few questions about her role in "Cloak of Darkness", and whether there will be more of Luminara in episodes to come:
How did you land the role of Luminara Unduli in The Clone Wars?
I was very fortunate to be called in by the producers to do one or two early episodes in Season I, featuring Luminara and Ahsoka. I was so excited and honored. I immediately took to Luminara and her bold, wise, and nurturing approach as a female Jedi. I was especially taken by the chemistry that took place in the relationship that developed between these two characters.
Luminara is the first full-fledged female Jedi we've been exposed to in Clone Wars. How did you approach a character that was required to be both nurturing with Ahsoka and deadly with Asajj?
Yes, there is an interesting dichotomy there. But those two things are fun and challenging to play because it gives Luminara great dimension and depth. These are two different kinds of strengths. I believe one of the components of a great Jedi is to know when to bring forth both these qualities at the right time. And with most well-rounded characters you need to draw on both. I have always remembered and been inspired by other Jedi Masters being nurturing to their apprentices such as Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and Yoda, while also being deadly to their enemies. Because Luminara is a woman, I've needed to make slightly different choices. She's more maternal with Ahsoka and those in her care, therefore that makes her much more protective.
Luminara is a class act, not unlike the noble and wise Obi-Wan Kenobi of the original trilogy. Did you base your characterization of Luminara on any specific Jedi we've encountered in the past?
I feel that Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi were great character inspirations for me besides the fact that I grew up with them, so it feels somewhat innate! It's a philosophy that at times I've applied to my own personal life. They both carry such an air of class and dignity, even during combat. It's been important to me to bring that to Luminara.
If Asajj was fighting a male opponent in "Cloak of Darkness", how do you think the fight would have been different?
Probably more vicious? And it would definitely drag on much longer...with a few more grunt noises to boot! Luminara's so efficient and precise she just goes in for the kill to get it done with out any excess grit. That's why she's badass.
Will we see more of Luminara this season or next?
I hope so! I'm having so much fun and she's such a wonderfully written character. I'm really loving the how the writers are developing her. I'm doing another show this Friday and looking forward to reading the next episode.
Be sure to check out Olivia d'Abo's website for more information on her life and career.
