Mads Mikkelsen Reveals Rogue One Script Was Never Truly Finished

Mads Mikkelsen, who played Galen Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, recently opened up about the unpredictable nature of the film ’s script. According to Mikkelsen, the screenplay was in a state of constant revision throughout the shoot, with new ideas and changes being introduced even as cameras rolled.

“For a Star Wars script, it was surprisingly unfinished,”

he told Variety.

“It kept changing. One would think that was already done. I don’t think they ever locked in a draft. I think they kept working on it and improvised and went back and reshot stuff. And then came up with a better idea.”

Behind the Scenes: A Shifting Storyline

Directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One premiered in 2016 and is set just days before the original Star Wars film. The story follows Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, and Cassian Andor, portrayed by Diego Luna, as they risk everything to steal the Death Star plans from the Empire. Mikkelsen’s character, Galen Erso, is Jyn’s father and the scientist behind the Death Star’s design. Despite the script’s ongoing changes, the film managed to resonate with audiences worldwide, earning over $1 billion at the box office on a $300 million budget.

Character Connections and Legacy

Although Galen Erso does not appear in the Andor spin-off series, his influence is felt throughout, with several references to his character. Mikkelsen reflected on the experience, saying,

“I think it turned out to be a really nice film.”

The Future of Star Wars on the Big Screen

Looking ahead, the Star Wars universe continues to expand. The Mandalorian and Grogu, starring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver, is set to arrive in theaters on May 22, 2026. Meanwhile, Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, featuring Ryan Gosling, is currently in production. For fans eager to revisit Rogue One, the film is now available to stream on Disney Plus.